Strengthened by GraceУзор

Guard the Gospel

Paul wrote, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21 ESV). He instructed Timothy to follow the pattern of sound words and to guard the good deposit entrusted to him. The good deposit is the essential truths of the gospel and the kingdom of God. Paul was radically transformed, as we all are, by the gospel. He taught, believed, and lived these truths and was astonished that they were so quickly deserting Christ and the grace they received in the gospel. Not that there is another one, but there are many distortions and departures that claim to be the gospel.

The gospel is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and what He did for all those who put their trust in Him. He is the Word “made flesh” (Jn. 1:14 ESV). He is the One whom the Father sent “in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin” (Rom. 8:3 ESV). He was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again on the third day. God raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named (Eph. 1:20). He lives to make intercession for you and for me (Rom. 8:34). This is the glorious gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

We do not want to take the gospel for granted, be deceived by human reasoning, or live for the things in this world. We want to live and die for Christ and the gospel.

Abba Father, help us see where we are wandering from Christ and departing from the gospel. The gospel produces sound doctrine and affects godly living. God calls pastors to have proficient knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. This is what he is urging upon Timothy: he must guard the pattern Paul preached, lived, and illustrated, and make it the standard for his thinking, feeling, living, and preaching.

We, too, have a responsibility if we are to guard this priceless treasure of the gospel which has been given to us. May we study God’s Word, pursue knowledge, understanding, and wisdom that we would faithfully guard the gospel.

Ask the Lord where you stand with the gospel. Are you committed to guarding the gospel in your heart, your mind, your word, your deeds, your relationships, and your free time? Where do you struggle the most?