Wednesday 21 July, 2021
2 Timothy 1:8-14
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 Saviour, 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.
This passage provides me with such practical advice and encouragement: do not be ashamed of our Lord, He saved us by His own purpose and grace, He has destroyed death and brought life and immortality, the gospel is no cause for shame, keep the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Jesus Christ, and guard what the Holy Spirit has given and entrusted you.
It is passages like these, full of truth and passion, that stoke the fires of my soul. When I awake and let His Word work within me, I can’t help but seek ways to make God known. I am not ashamed of Christ’s testimony, teaching the Word, and suffering (albeit it nothing like Paul) for the gospel. My service becomes centred around the fact that “I know whom I have believed.” Nothing can compare to the one who will reign forever!
Lord, we thank you for the unbreakable bond of love you hold us with. Thank you that we can cast our concerns and bleakest moments to you. You know us, love us, and guard us. We entrust all we have to you, Lord. In your precious name, Jesus.
Amen
Written by Sven Bessesen
Sven – love your thoughts.
Here are mine from SOAP with the Young Adults this morning.
Verse 14 takes my attention as I read this passage. “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”
Clearly Paul is confident of the deposit given to Timothy. Is it a deposit of faith. Is it a deposit of the Word. In context it seems most likely that it is the good deposit of the teaching given to Timothy by Paul. Verse 13 brings clarity here “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
I find it interesting that with the help of the Holy Spirit I need to guard the sound doctrine I have been taught (I have certainly had times I have not even thought to guard it!).
Guard from what? For me it is most likely the ‘weedy’ thoughts that crop up every now and then in my mind that challenge sound teaching. It is also the untrue reflections, comments and teachings that I hear from people at various times. I need to reinforce my understanding of the Gospel and sound teaching, guarding with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Father, help me to be both on guard to realise what is unsound teaching and discerning to repel it when it comes.
Great words , both Sven and Richard. Very grateful for the sound teaching I get from our church when there is so much rubbish out there to listen to!
It’s wonderful message. This was our bible study last night. Thanks for sharing.
God bless you. Amen