I love a good heist movie. It’s fascinating to watch a team working together to beat the system and rob the back. The tech guru who shuts down the security system, the explosive expert to tunnel into the basement, the acrobat to flip through the lasers, the safe-cracker to open the vault. Of course, the right security guard can stop a heist!
Jesus is like this – he stands guard to protect your salvation.
Listen to Paul’s words from prison to his spiritual son Timothy urging him to press on.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” | 2 Timothy 1:8-14
Paul calls us not to be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord Jesus, but rather share in suffering for the Gospel’s sake. We do so by relying on the power of God that is at work in your life (v. 8). God has saved us from sin and called us with a holy calling to live with him. This was based on God’s work – not our good works – our salvation is according to God’s own purpose and grace. God gave us this in Christ Jesus – not at the moment we believed – but even before time began (v. 9). We were chosen and set aside for God’s gracious purpose.
This salvation was secured in eternity past and revealed when our Savior Christ Jesus appeared on earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and return one day, he has completely abolished death (v. 10). Death has been swallowed up in victory! Though we all still face physical death one day, the threat of final death has been destroyed through Christ’s death and resurrection. Death has been abolished and life was brought to life through the Gospel. This is eternal life – immortality through faith in Christ!
Despite his persecution and suffering, Paul is not ashamed. Why? Because “I know whom I have believed” (v. 12). Ultimately the Christian Gospel is not about believing a set of principles or cold doctrines – it is trusting a person, the Savior Jesus. Despite the suffering Paul is enduring, he has a deep assurance that he will persevere until the end.
What is his assurance based on? Paul has confidence that that One he has trusted can guard what has been given to him until that day – the day he goes home (v. 12). What has been entrusted to him? The gift of faith, the gift of eternal life. His very life is in God’s hands. And while our salvation is fully accomplished, it is not yet fully realized. In this life we only have a deposit of what is to come.
But hear this: this deposit is safe. It is locked up in the bank vault – held securely for our future. Jesus is the security guard guarding the deposit in the vault. He does not fall asleep. He cannot be fooled. He will not let anyone break in to take what is yours!
In light of this certainty, grounded in this conviction, Paul instructs Timothy to follow the pattern of sound words – healthy teaching – that he has received (v. 13). Christian, follow these life-giving words with all the faith you have in Christ Jesus, and with all the love you have in Christ Jesus.
By the Holy Spirit who dwells within each of us, you are charged to guard the good deposit that has been entrusted to you (v. 14). But wait a minute, I thought Jesus was guarding the good deposit? He is. And now you are called to stand with him at the vault. We’re like Kevin Hart standing next to Dwayne Johnson – you keep watch, staying vigilant, to not let anyone steal what belongs to you – knowing that your Security Guard can handle any threat that comes at you!
Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Guard against Satan who comes only to steal, kill, destroy. Guard against spiritual attack, condemnation, guilt, shame, fear. Guard against your sinful heart that might slip into temptation. Guard against anxiety, doubt, anger.
Jesus stands guard with you, so that one day you may repeat the words Paul wrote at the end of his letter:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” | 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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