by Patrick Lam

“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who lives in us, that good thing entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14 (HCSB)

Paul is writing to his spiritual son, Timothy. The context of this scripture is imprisonment, suffering, and abandonment by others.

It is very exciting to receive new things from God, but much harder to persevere through what He has already entrusted to us. What is this good thing He has entrusted to us? The context of this scripture says it is part of “a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began (verse 9).” We all have been entrusted with different good things as part of this calling.

Sometimes we forget about the good thing that has been entrusted to us in Christ, or we try to guard it in our own strength. Paul tells Timothy to guard this good thing through the Holy Spirit. In fact, it is impossible to guard it without Him. We can confidently commit this good thing to the Holy Spirit, since He lives in us. The preceding verse reveals it is the Holy Spirit who “is able to guard what is entrusted to me until that day” (verse 12).

Let us bow down and receive power and strength through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. Though we are weak, He is strong. He will complete the good work He has begun in us.

Discussion question:

What is the good thing God has entrusted to you, in your life context?

Prayer points:

1. Share personal prayer requests.

2. Pray that you will guard “that good thing entrusted to you” (verse 14) through the Holy Spirit.