Protect that good thing entrusted to you, through the Holy Spirit who lives within us.
2 Timothy 1:14 NET
As Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he saw the time of his departure from this life as being at hand (2 Tim. 4:6-8). Paul hoped to see Timothy again (2 Tim. 4:9), but that was uncertain. So Paul gave some last words to his dear son in the faith (2 Tim. 1:2), encouraging him to remain faithful to his calling.
Part of what Paul told Timothy was to protect that good thing entrusted to him. What is that good thing? It is the message that he had heard from Paul (2 Tim. 1:13) and was to entrust in turn to others who would faithfully teach it as well (2 Tim. 2:1-2).
However, this good thing entrusted to Timothy is more than what we often think of as the gospel message of John 3:16. It includes all that he had learned from Paul (2 Tim. 1:13), who had received it from Jesus (Gal. 1:11-12). We find it today in Paul’s writings and the rest of the New Testament.
Many false teachers were distorting the word of God for profit or to attract a following. Paul encouraged Timothy not to get caught up in their error but instead to take his stand against them, holding to the truth of God’s word.
Trust the Spirit to Lead
But he was not to do this on his own. Instead, he was to depend on the Holy Spirit who lives within us. The Holy Spirit will help us to distinguish truth from error. He will teach and remind us of what Jesus taught, whether in person or through his apostles (John 14:26).
What Paul told Timothy is just as applicable and important for us today. We need to protect the word of God entrusted to each of us. Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in reading and understanding God’s word. Hold firmly to it, not swayed by those attempting to change its message. And live in obedience to what the Holy Spirit teaches you.
