Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, —He is not only to be well educated in God’s word, but he is to cling to that word. It is not enough that he is able to quote scriptures but he is to cling to those words. His life should reflect the teachings of our Lord. that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. —He is to encourage and uplift the believers and also help the doubters to see the truth. This he is to do by teaching from God’s word and also by the example of the life that he leads. The Gainsayer is one who is in it for his own personal gain, whether it be financial societal or religious gain.