June 16, 2015

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid the godless chatter and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge, for by professing it some have missed the mark as regards the faith.” 1 Timothy 6:20-21

“It is worth while to expound the whole of that passage of the apostle more fully, “O Timothy keep the deposit, avoiding profane novelties of words…” What is “Keep the deposit”? “Keep it,” because of thieves, because of adversaries, lest, while men sleep, they sow tares over that good wheat which the Son of Man had sown in his field. “Keep the deposit.” What is “the deposit”? That which has been entrusted to thee, not that which thou hast thyself devised: a matter not of wit, but learning…wherein thou art bound to be not an author but a keeper… Preserve the talent…of faith…unadulterated. That which has been entrusted to thee…let it be handed on by thee.” Vincent of Lerins (c. 450) “For All The Saints”, volume IV (p. 95-96)

Whether we render it as “guard what has been entrusted to you…” or “Keep the deposit…”, we understand what is being asked of all disciples and apostles — we are to treasure the word of G*d and to aim, not for treasures of gold and silver but for righteousness, faith, love, gentleness, etc. And we know that the Word of G*d insists that we live in the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. as being fruits of the Holy Spirit. This is what we are to guard – this is what we are to treasure – for these will bring us such treasures that cannot be counted completely or entirely in any way. And then from those stores of treasures come good works — acts of love — service to all people in need — for when Christ dwells within us, we cannot help but see these things flow from our hearts.

So, how are you doing treasuring the Word of G*d? How well are you keeping that treasure of faith? What will that treasure look like when you hand it on to someone else? When we have something of value, we care for it, protect it, treat it with care, and make sure it gets regular maintenance. When we “treasure” our relationship with G*d through Jesus Christ, then we must do the same — care for it by dealing with it on a daily basis; protect it by studying it daily; give it regular maintenance because we use it often — set it in the field of ministry and use it.

Pastor Dave