Paul warned Timothy that apostasy was certain (1 Timothy 4:1). Yet Timothy was to hold fast the pattern (2 Timothy 1:13), teach this to others (2 Timothy 2:2), and continue teaching without compromise, even if others departed (2 Timothy 4:2-5). There was hope that those who would listen would be saved (1 Timothy 4:16). So how was Timothy to approach his work as a preacher to help prevent apostasy? And how would the brethren need to respond in order to keep from falling away?
