Guard the Treasure: 2 Timothy 1:14
“14) Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” 2 Timothy 1:14
Paul now instructs Timothy to “Guard the Treasure.” What an amazing command. A quick survey of Scripture yields several benefits of salvation that are treasures worth protecting. Each of these can be lost through sin and reckless living.
The first treasure is fellowship and intimacy with God. This treasure is priceless. 1 John 1:5-7 warns that we can fall out of fellowship with God by walking in darkness.
A second treasure might be the walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 says; “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of salvation.” The next verse warns against things like bitterness, anger and wrath. They grieve the Spirit of God.
A third treasure could be the fruit of the Spirit intended to govern our lives. According to Galatians 5:16-26 the sinful deeds of the flesh constantly war against the Spirit. Sin causes us to forfiet things like love, joy and peace in our lives. These are treasures worth protecting.
Forth, I believe marriage and family are also treasures worth protecting. Ephesians 5:22-6:4 talks about the blessing of a godly marriage and family.
Fifth, the value of a clear conscience cannot be understated. Paul alluded to this in both 1 Timothy 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:3.
Sixth, the blessings of the righteousness can be forfeited. With pen and notebook in hand, read through the book of Proverbs and write down the blessings of the righteous. The list will shock you. These can be forfeited through sinful and reckless living.
Finally, I would include a good reputation and fruitful ministry among these treasures. John 15:1-16 explains the benefits of abiding in Christ. God wants us to bear much fruit for his glory.
These are merely a start of the treasures that accompany salvation. In Philippians 3:7-11 Paul talked about the surpassing values he found in knowing Christ Jesus. No earthly riches come close to the treasures the believer can store up in heaven.
Notice, that we guard this treasure through the Holy Spirit who indwells us. He is our helper, guide and teacher. Never minimize the role of the Holy Spirit in your life.
When taken together, 2 Timothy 1:13 & 14 are profound. My fellow believers, heed Pauls advice and “Retain the Standard” and “Guard the Treasure!”
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global