2 Timothy 1:13-18
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 1:13-18
These verses from 2 Timothy 1 is an incredible summary of what it looks like to grow and be a faithful disciple. Here are a few takeaways:
1. We need faithful examples to follow.
Want to know why discipling relationships are so powerful? In a discipling relationship, you get what Paul says in verse 13: a “pattern of sound words”. Implicit here is that the person you are learning from has solid doctrine that is leading you towards the Bible, not away from it. But this is done best in the context of incarnational life and relationship.
2. The Holy Spirit is with you.
God did not save you and then leave you hanging out to dry. Jesus told us that he would leave us his helper (John 15:26), and we see here and other places that the Holy Spirit dwells with us. So, as you put sin to death and put on holiness in your Christian life, do so out of relationship and dependence on the Holy Spirit, not absent from it.
3. Become fluent in the gospel.
When Paul says, “guard the good deposit entrusted to you,” he is talking about the gospel. The gospel is not just the message that saves you, it is also the message that grows you. You never outgrow the gospel, you grow into it. Jerry Bridges rightly says, “Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” These simple words sound great in theory but are tougher in practice. This is why knowing and applying the gospel on a regular basis is so crucial for growing in the Christian life.
Putting it all together: find a Holy Spirit filled, gospel fluent example to follow, and seek to become one worth following as well.
Written By: Graham Withers
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
These verses from 2 Timothy 1 is an incredible summary of what it looks like to grow and be a faithful disciple. Here are a few takeaways:
1. We need faithful examples to follow.
Want to know why discipling relationships are so powerful? In a discipling relationship, you get what Paul says in verse 13: a “pattern of sound words”. Implicit here is that the person you are learning from has solid doctrine that is leading you towards the Bible, not away from it. But this is done best in the context of incarnational life and relationship.
2. The Holy Spirit is with you.
God did not save you and then leave you hanging out to dry. Jesus told us that he would leave us his helper (John 15:26), and we see here and other places that the Holy Spirit dwells with us. So, as you put sin to death and put on holiness in your Christian life, do so out of relationship and dependence on the Holy Spirit, not absent from it.
3. Become fluent in the gospel.
When Paul says, “guard the good deposit entrusted to you,” he is talking about the gospel. The gospel is not just the message that saves you, it is also the message that grows you. You never outgrow the gospel, you grow into it. Jerry Bridges rightly says, “Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.” These simple words sound great in theory but are tougher in practice. This is why knowing and applying the gospel on a regular basis is so crucial for growing in the Christian life.
Putting it all together: find a Holy Spirit filled, gospel fluent example to follow, and seek to become one worth following as well.
Written By: Graham Withers
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