Guard the Deposit

2 Tim. 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. 

For a second time Timothy has been given the same command, that is to guard the deposit [1 Tim. 6:20]. What is this deposit? The footnote in my Bible says it is the entire content of the Christian faith, the gospel. Paul referred to his life as one that was totally committed to the gospel. He was not ashamed for the suffering that characterized his life because he knew whom he had believed, and he was convinced that He was able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. He guarded the deposit to the point of death knowing full well that God would guard him until that Day.

Paul was thankful for Timothy because he was so sincere in his faith, a faith that had been taught him by his mother Eunice, and his grandmother Lois. What is taught in the home is of ultra importance! Paul urged Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God. Timothy's life was to be singular in purpose. Was he afraid to spread the gospel after seeing Paul's life? Did he want to embark on a journey that would mean hardship and persecution? Paul reminded him that God gave him a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. These gifts were not just for Paul and Timothy, but they are for all who live by and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Paul also urged Timothy to share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. What does it mean to share in suffering by the power of God? Could it mean that the only way that believers can endure suffering is through the power of God? Yes, His hand orchestrated the suffering and gives the power to endure it as well. Suffering is not for our harm [although it may cause harm], it is for our growth in holiness for conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. In fact, we are called to this holy calling because of His own purpose and grace. This grace became visible when Jesus cane to earth abolishing death so that new life might reign in resurrection power. And it is for this, for Jesus Christ and His great love, that we suffer as He did. So for all these reasons Timothy was to guard the good deposit!

Father,

I want to live guarding the deposit You have given me. Enable me the power to fan it into flame without fear. Instead let me have a spirit of power, love, and self-control. 

In His name,

Amen