Sunday 11 February, 2018

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

What has been entrusted to you from God that you are to guard?  Paul reminded Timothy to keep as a pattern of sound teaching that he had given to him, what he had entrusted to him.  Clearly Paul thought this was under attack.  It may have been because here is the Apostle, the teacher now in disrepute in gaol!  Whatever, even if it was the gradual erosion of beliefs and values – Paul says we need to guard the good deposit!

How do we guard it – well the Holy Spirit will help – He will bring to our remembrance what matters when it matters.  We also stay close to God’s Word and avoid speculations and meaningless genealogies and the like.  As I heard someone say one day – keep the main thing the main thing!

Father help me to guard the truth that has been faithfully deposited in my spirit over many years by men and women who have been faithful in teaching me God’s Word.

Written by Ps. Richard Botta