Guard The Gospel

2 Timothy 1:13-18 (NIV)

1:13 Keep As The Pattern Of Sound Teaching

Paul told Timothy, "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching."

Sound teaching is the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine of godliness.

Paul was saying that the teaching that Timothy received should be presented in the same way it was originally given.

It should be the same gospel, the same message that was originally presented in the Scripture.

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We are not to come up with new truths, but simply to explain the old ones, to make them understandable to the people.

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The greatest teachers are not the ones who come up with a new revelation, a new message, or a new teaching.

They are the ones that direct us along the ancient paths, showing and reminding us what the good way is, and encouraging us to walk in it.

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The teachers of sound teaching must keep themselves in the faith and love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

They must believe what they are saying.

They must speak with love and care.

They must be convinced of the truths of the Word of God.

They must love the people, desiring them to be saved and grow in the knowledge of God.

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1:14 The Holy Spirit Lives In Us

The Holy Spirit living in us is God's promise of eternal life.

If we have been born again into a new life in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in us.

The Holy Spirit helps us, teaches us, and brings to our remembrance what the Lord Jesus Christ said.

He empowers us to be witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ.

He comforts us.

He speaks to us and through us.

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We are to guard the good deposit that was entrusted to us.

What is that good deposit?

It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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1:16-18 Onesiphorus

Onesiphorus was a real Christian who loved with action.

He guard the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and acted accordingly.

He lived with faith and love in Christ Jesus.

How about us?

Will we guard the good deposit that was entrusted to us?