S156P3 – Our good spiritual progress: paid forward
2 Tim. 1:12b-14
But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Some people have a thirst for knowledge, and they just want to soak up as much as they can. They study, and they read, and they listen, and they retain all they can. Of course, there is nothing wrong with gaining knowledge, but there is something missing from the equation if all we do is retain what we learn. Once we gain that knowledge, it begs for us to do something with it. The question is whether we understand that there is a purpose behind learning other than simply amassing information. The work is not simply in gaining knowledge but in putting it to good use. When it comes to spiritual knowledge, guarding our knowledge requires that we let it do its work.
This letter from Paul to Timothy is an example of what he is telling Timothy to do. Paul gained much spiritual knowledge, and he put it to good work. He understood that his spiritual progress was for the benefit of the spiritual progress of others. His many letters illustrated this understanding, and now he drives home the point with his disciple. Just as Paul learned in order to teach and encourage others, Timothy learned for the same purpose. God entrusts us with treasure in the hope that we would deal with it wisely. What is required of us is that we invest that treasure and multiply it. The seeds planted in us are to bear fruit and, as a natural consequence, plant seeds in others.
The Lord gives us so much that is not just for us. We can see this pattern all throughout the scriptures. God entrusts us with something, meaning that we are stewards of that thing, and He expects us to do something with it. When He gives us revelation of his character or his thoughts, just like when He gives us revelation of the scriptures, it is not for us to keep that to ourselves. Everything He gives us is of great value, and we are to share the wealth. If we want to be faithful with what He teaches us, we must use that knowledge to teach others. Father, thank You for giving us the privilege and responsibility of carrying and sharing this treasure of yours.