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Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14

Read: 2 Timothy 1:13-14
Listen: 2 Timothy 1

Paul gives Timothy two commands. Timothy is to “keep” and “guard.” First, he is to “keep” the teaching he’s received from Paul at the center of his life. Second, he’s to “guard” what he’s been taught through the work of the Holy Spirit. These two commands are connected. One is about ensuring he has a proper understanding of what God has taught, and the other is about allowing the Holy Spirit to help him guard what he received.

Keeping to sound teaching means we need to study God’s Word and listen to good teaching regularly. We do these things through our personal study of the Bible and attending weekend services. The Holy Spirit works through the Word to remind us of what we have learned. We grow to rely on the Spirit as we invite the Spirit to help us. As we commit to these practices of studying the Bible, listening to sound teaching and inviting the Spirit to speak, we find strength to stand firm amid cultural pressure and remain grounded in God’s Word and the gospel.

TODAY: Commit to spending time with God, reading the Bible and sitting under the teaching of our pastors on the weekends. Write up a plan for staying committed to these practices as the weather gets warmer and other activities call for your attention. Share your commitment with a trusted friend and check in with each other in the coming months.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Exodus 29-31. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note the details given for the priests and how Jesus is our high priest.