Strengthened by Graceਨਮੂਨਾ

Guard the Treasure

Consider the value of all of the earthly treasures in the world and what humans do to protect them. Extreme measures are taken to guard the gold at Fort Knox, the Federal Reserve in New York, and the U.S. Air Force secrets at Area 51. The NORAD, or North American Aerospace Defense Command, facility near Colorado Springs is so highly fortified that it can withstand a nuclear attack of up to 30 megatons. We protect our personal treasured possessions by purchasing a safe, various types of insurance, a safety deposit box, locks for doors, or security guards and systems.

Think about the enemy and the tactics he employs to rob, kill, and destroy. Just as the Brink’s armored van driver is hired to protect the load in his truck, we are entrusted with guarding the most valuable treasure this side of heaven—the gospel—the most excellent, eminent, beautiful, precious, and life-giving truth that brings the lost to salvation, the kingdom of heaven, and to Christ.

At the end of Paul’s life, he tells Timothy to guard the good deposit entrusted to him. A person’s last words reveal a lot about what they value, about their priorities, and about what they want to protect and carry on. Their words paint a vivid picture of what is most important to them and what is nearest and dearest to their hearts. We do not have Paul’s last words, but we do have something that serves as his last will and testament—we have the final letter that he wrote. He clearly expresses how and what he wants protected: “Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (2 Tm. 1:13-14 ESV). “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2 Tm. 4:2 ESV).

Paul impresses upon Timothy that he is accountable to God to guard the true treasure. In order to do that, he must understand the gospel, believe it, take it to heart, treasure it, teach it, and share it! We are called to do the same.