Scripture Reference: 1 Timothy 6:20, NLT- “Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.”
You and I have been entrusted with the same gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul and Timothy were. We too must heed Paul’s warnings to avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who stand against what we have been entrusted simply because they do not understand.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul wrote “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” (NLT) Also in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Paul stated “You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.” (NLT)
We must also be courageous. I have carried on discussions both inside and outside the church seeking advice about what has been entrusted to me. It takes courage and persistence to continue to share the message that God has spoken into us even though it is seemingly rejected. We must boldly share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
When I first read 1 Timothy 6:20 my thought was whether I was doing what I needed to do with this Affirmations of God thing I feel God has entrusted to me. Reading further and studying this for a couple of days I do realize that all believers have been entrusted with the Gospel. Whether it is a general gospel or a specific calling we are to guard what we have been entrusted.
1 Timothy 6:18 gives us our next steps, “Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,” (NKJV) When we do not know what to do next, we can choose to do the goodness of God, right?
I know myself and many others have been fearful of choosing ministry work because of financial concerns. Paul wrote about these same concerns in 1 Timothy 6:17, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” (NKJV)
Every day, regardless of worldly rewards and feedback, it is best that we live out 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (NKJV) We can also do 1 Timothy 6:11 as Paul directs Timothy, “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” (NKJV)
Paul famously warned in 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (NIV) Let us trust in God’s abundance instead of the uncertain riches of humans.
It is always good to remember 1 Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (KJV) The only things or people we can take out of this world are those who have come to know God and our Savior Jesus Christ by sharing what has been entrusted to us. Let us be faithful to share the good news that has been entrusted to us with all others.
What has been entrusted to you?
Prayer: Father God, You are our King of kings and LORD of lords. Thank You for Jesus Christ who came and died for our sins. Thank You, LORD, for entrusting each of us to help spread Your goodness. Help us to see Your provision Father when the enemy has us look to the world’s economy. I am living and trusting in Your generosity. In the name of Lord Jesus, I do pray. Amen.
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