Give It Away, But Guard It With Your Life!

SCRIPTURE
(IITim. 1:13&14) "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."


OBSERVATION
To retain something is to work hard at maintaining possession of it. Paul instructs Timothy to work hard at maintaining possession of sound doctrine or the teachings he has given him. He says to guard it as a valuable treasure entrusted to him. And yet in the letter to the church at Phillipi, Paul says he was poured out as an offering in service of his faith. Should we guard the treasure or give it away?


APPLICATION
What looks like it could be a dichotomy is really an instruction to maintain the integrity of the teachings of Christ. Paul actually wants the believer to give the hope that lies within them away to a sinful or needy world. This treasure is unending and transforming. If we live to give this treasure, we will see the kingdom of God manifest right before our eyes.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to maintain the holiness of Your Word, and I want to pour it out on a contaminated world and see your transforming power.