We often quote Paul saying, I have kept the Faith, but do we ever consider what he meant?
Keeping the faith is one phrase popular among Believers, but the understanding differs from person to person in different denominations. Why so?
It boils down to how people interpret the scriptures where that phrase or similar phrases occur. But in this message, where we conclude the third part of Paul’s statements in 2 Timothy 4:7, we will examine that in context.
I Have Kept The Faith Bible Verse
“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.
From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7–8 WEB.
Previously, we looked at the first two statements: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and now we are looking at I Have Kept The Faith.
If you followed each of the messages carefully, we established that through speaking, Paul fought a good fight; in living, he finished the race, and in doing both, he kept the Faith.
But what is that faith that he kept, and how can we keep the faith also? These are the two main things we will find out in this message.
I Have Kept The Faith Meaning
I Have Kept is translated from the Greek word tetērēka. It means to observe or maintain something. And the faith there is the word Pistin or Pistis (πίστιν or πίστις) in Greek. What does that mean?
Pistis is the noun word often translated as faith in the New Testament alongside its verb, Pisteuo, and Pistos as the adjective.
The word Pistis in 2 Timothy 4:7c communicates something different from the ‘believe,’ ‘trust,’ or ‘rely on God’ idea of Faith, which is actually the Pisteuo. It refers to something more!
As seen in Matthew 8:10, Galatians 3:23, and 1 Timothy 6:21 with other passages, It refers to something that can be seen, heard, and known, rather than something that is being done.
Paul using ‘the Faith’ would refer to either his conviction, persuasion, Teaching or the Truth. He could be referring to the message of God’s faithfulness or the Gospel of Jesus Christ (that is the same in essence, so to say).
When Paul said, I have kept the Faith, he meant that he had observed or maintained the message (the body of truth or form of doctrine) he received, by speaking (or preaching, teaching) and living it.
So we see that in fighting the good fight and finishing the race, he kept the Faith. In other words, he taught, defended, and lived an exemplary life in line with the doctrine of Christ.
In essence, Paul submitted his loyalty to the message of Christ till the end of his ministry. He told Timothy by implication, this is what I have done. Now, you continue likewise.
I will not fail to mention that he also pointed to the reward he would receive from the Lord. Not for him only but also for those who await the appearing of the Lord. I hope you are one of us.
How To Keep The Faith
In 1 Timothy, Paul instructed Timothy extensively against false doctrines and wrongdoings and commanded him to give himself to sound doctrine and good works.
In the last chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul gave Timothy instructions for servants and their masters, wrote emphatically against the love of money, and instructed Timothy to be contented with what he had. Let me also highlight that he gave him instructions for those who were rich in this world to put their hope in the living God and do good works with their possessions.
In 1 Timothy 6:20–21 WEB, He said:
“Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;
which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.”
In 2 Timothy 1:13–14 WEB, Paul again said to Timothy:
“Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”
The Faith here is sound doctrine, which is of Christ Jesus. Paul communicated the message to Timothy and told him to keep the faith, and not give attention to any form of falsehood. He told him to do so through the Holy Spirit indwelling.
From looking at Brother Paul and his ministry, we can see how to keep the faith as in:
- Preaching
- Teaching
- Living the Word of Truth.
But what we may not have noticed in the first instance is where the ability to stand in defense of the faith by preaching, teaching, and living an exemplary life comes from. It is by God’s Spirit dwelling in us who believe.
Therefore, we keep the faith primarily through the Holy Spirit in us. The expression is through spreading the message of Christ, standing in defense of the truth, and living a life pleasing to God (in love for one another).
Let me conclude by citing what Brother John said in Revelation 14:12–13 WEB:
“‘Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’
I heard the voice from heaven saying, ‘Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.’”
