Guard Duty

Sept. 27

Read: 2 Timothy 1:8-18

Guard Duty

“…share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…” (v.8,9)

“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” (v.12)

God has given us as his children a “holy calling” from before the earth began. Here in 2 Timothy is says that God has given us his very own “purpose and grace”, in “Christ Jesus before the ages began”. This is our “holy calling” the working out of God’s very own “purpose and grace” that he entrusted to us in Jesus Christ. If we turn all the way back to Genesis 1, we can read about the way that God created humanity and called us to further his work and example by being “fruitful, multiplying, filling the earth, subduing it, and have dominion over everything on it.” (cf. Gen. 1:22,28,8:17,9:1,7) We are his “imagers” here on earth. We were built to represent him here. What was happening in that special place - the garden of Eden - was to be reflected out into ALL of the world through US. humans. This is the “Kingdom of God” that Jesus speaks about in Mark 1:15… The Gospel of God. For us to be able to represent the Lord and be in relationship with him, the Son of God - Jesus Christ - needed to free us from those things which held humanity captive. (Namely: sin. death, and the Devil.)

When Jesus shows up here on earth, he “makes visible”, tangible, and (in our earthly terms) real this mission, purpose, and calling… it “has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus”. (v.10) It is powerful to see here that Jesus is called our “Savior”. This paints a picture not only of someone who simply “pays our sin-bill” or takes our punishment for us, but one who RESCUES us from that which threatens us and holds us captive. The rest of the verse says as much: our Savior Jesus Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel…” We have been freed from “death” (Jesus abolished it) and we have been given life and immortality in Christ!

This is nothing to be “ashamed of”! When we know our holy calling, purpose, and grace… and the gift of life and immortality that we have been given, we will not be ashamed of the message of Christ no matter our circumstances. God is the source of all these things that we have, and he is in fact “guarding it” within us. (v.12) We declare along with Paul: “ I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” We know Christ, but are you convinced that he is able to guard until the end that which has been entrusted to you? Is your confidence in his giving and ability to guard and keep in tact? Or is it in your own efforts and ability to execute the plan?

God has a purpose for you. It has been “entrusted to you”. It is built upon the salvation and life that comes in Christ, but it extends beyond that foundation. (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11) Ask the Lord this morning, what has been “entrusted to me” along with my salvation? What “holy calling” have you given to me as your child? Jesus abolished death and gave you immortality to do it… so it must be pretty important! Paul knew he was a “preacher, apostle, and teacher”. (v. 11) There was a “gift of God” that was given to Timothy as well when they “laid hands on him” (v. 1:6) Paul was “guarding” what was entrusted to him… and calling Timothy to do the same. (v.14) Now it is your turn. Ask the Lord to begin to show you the work he has called you to in Christ Jesus. A great start is to simply begin by “Following the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me (Paul / the scriptures), in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (v.13) There is actually a pattern of godliness that you can observe and see in the people of God. We probably all know the “pattern” or “rhythms” of Christian life. Know that the Holy Spirit “dwells within us” and it is “by the Holy Spirit” that we too can “guard the good deposit entrusted to you (us).” (v.14) You are not alone as you “guard it” because the very one who began the good work and gave it to you GUARDS IT WITH YOU. The Lord will tell you through His Word, His Spirit, and His people what he has entrusted to YOU. Do not be ashamed of the work he has called you to. Take confidence in this that HE (The Lord) will get you across the finish line! Love you guys. - JDP