A sacred trust

2 Timothy 1:13-14
{13} Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. {14} Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery is one of the most popular tourists spot in the D. C. Area. The particular people whose remains are interred in that spot are individuals who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Each of the men buried there were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Although no biographical information is known concerning these individuals they represent to a great extent all American soldiers who have gave their lives in service to our country. The thing that makes the Tomb of the Unknowns a popular tourist site is the drama of the guard. Members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard) stand guard over the tomb 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The ceremony and care of their duty in their military patrol of the tomb has been continuous since 1930. Although this guard post has been in existence for 80 years only about 600 soldiers have won “Tomb Badges” and only a few hundred of them have actually earned the right to stand watch. For those who have walked the post they speak of it as a life changing experience. They speak of their duties with hushed tones and as a motivating factor of their lives. To guard a sacred treasure is life changing and life consuming.

Paul calls the Gospel a treasure which has been entrusted. The Lord has given us blessings that are far too innumerable to mention. But the blessing of the Gospel is different. It is not a gift given just for our personal edification, it is a gift we must guard, a sacred trust, a treasure we must preserve for the generations which will come behind us. How do we guard such a treasure?

Don’t trade your treasure for trash
{13} Retain the standard of sound words …
The word standard carries the idea of a pattern. It could describe the sketch of an artist or the outline of a writer which could be used as a guideline before the finished project. Sound words are words that are healthy and not harmful. We are commanded to retain the pattern of healthy words. In a day when truth is up for grabs, scriptural truth must be guarded and maintained. Many are tempted to leave the truths of scripture for so called new truths that are discovered. Many look for a truth that will correspond and relate to their own whims and desires. To change truth is to make it less than truth. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we cannot allow it to become contaminated with impurity.

Keep your treasure in the safety deposit box of the church
{13} … which you have heard from me, …
The doctrine of Timothy had been given to him by the Apostle Paul. The laying on of hands in 1:6 is an allusion to an ordination service. Paul viewed himself as an Apostle, a gift that was given to the church. Paul’s teachings include a high view of the church and the church is consistently seen as the keeper of the faith. The greatest encouragement of good theology is the environment of a local church where questions are asked, where concepts are discussed, and where those who have gifts of wisdom and teaching can assist us all in our understanding of truth. When iron sharpens iron, iron gets sharper. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we must do so in the workings and environment of a church.

Let the treasure rule your heart
{13} … in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
You cannot be committed to the truth of scripture without the truth of scripture becoming a part of your life. To guard the gospel is an honor. To guard the Gospel is also a life changing experience. As we hold the gospel close to our hearts the faith and love expressed in it will change the activities and attitudes of our personal lives.

PRAYER:
Lord help me to understand the awesome responsibility I have to guard the Gospel. May I never look upon my responsibilities in doing such as something I just simply do out of tradition. Help me to embrace this honor with all my heart. And when my life in this world is over may it be said of me that I stood for the truth of the Gospel in both word and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.