What Lasts Forever?

2 Timothy 1-Part 9
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.  2 Timothy 1:13-14


LET IT GLOW
There are few things on earth that last forever. Due to high winds, our barn and one old chickenhouse, which were over 50 years old, blew down and another chickenhouse collasped due to two feet of snow. Ponds fill in and the creek changes its course. Children only remain children for a short period of time, then grow up  and have their own children. Even towns change and two-lane highways become four lanes. My old high school and home economics building were torn down years ago to make way for new ones. Yes, even my hair is changing color.

Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus says:

There are a few things which will last forever. They are God's Word (Isaiah 40:8, Matt. 24:35) and the souls of people. When the time comes, everything else will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment. Then He will make a new earth (2 Peter 3:7; Rev. 21-22). These are two types of eternal investments. Paul reflected on the timeless treasure of God's Word and pondered the immortal souls of people.

Are my investments eternal or temporal? How much time am I spending in God's Word and bringing souls to the Savior?


LET IT GROW

New American Standard says verse 14 this way: Guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

What are some things Paul told Timothy to do that are found in these two verses?

• Be loyal to God's Word.
• Hold fast to the precious deposit of Christian truth,  the principles of sound doctrine. A form is a pattern to be copied, a template.
• Pass this doctrine along to others (2:2). Paul taught Timothy and he is to teach others, handing it down to the next generation.
• Do this with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:15 talks about "speaking the truth in love."
• Guard the truth as the Holy Spirit enables you. He is the one who must teach us (John 16:13). Guard means "to protect by keeping careful watch." It's like a deposit in a bank that is guarded. We have the power of Almighty God living with us to help us.

[Resource: Be Faithful by Warren Wiresbe]


LET IT GO

Invest in God's Word and the souls of people.

Hold onto doctrine in faith and love.