Guard the Deposit. 2 Timothy 1:13-14.
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Paul now urges Timothy to imitate his example and guard what has been entrusted to him.
Trail (v. 13a). The surest way to not get lost is to follow the beaten path. Anyone who wants to blaze new trail risks getting lost. Paul is telling Timothy to follow what Paul taught him. Beware of people who come and dismiss everyone who came before them and declare themselves the only teachers of the right gospel. The gospel has been handed down by faithful people.
Trust (v. 13b).The core of the gospel is faith in Jesus. That faith is based on the teachings of the apostles, of whom Paul is one and which today is contained in the New Testament. Such faith is always accompanied by love – love for God and for his people, even for the lost, who desperately need the savior, whether they know it or not.
Treasure (v. 14). The gospel has been entrusted to Timothy, not just to proclaim it, but to also protect its purity. A false or warped gospel is a greater danger than ignorance because it gives false hope and prevents one from seeking the truth. But by ourselves, we are not able to guard the truth of God. It is the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, whom we are given at the moment of receiving Christ as savior. He is who enables us to cling to what is true. Do you have the Holy Spirit in your life? If you have received Christ as savior, the answer is yes. If not, the answer is not a good one.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.