It is never a pleasant feeling to be on constant guard against dangers either real or imagined but this was what the situation required.”
–Nathan Wright (For Lack of a Title)
“Therefore, dear friends, since you know this in advance, be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of lawless people and fall from your own stability.”
–2 Peter 3:17 (HCSB)
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“Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him.”
–Philippians 2:12(TLB)
Don’t be a sluggard! Don’t be a coward! Don’t shirk your duty and responsibility as a Christian! Each of us, in our own way, in our own place are to reflect Christ’s character. Shakespeare wrote in “As You Like It”:
“Master, go on, and I will follow thee
To the last gasp, with truth and loyalty.”
Now this is not from the Bible, but it does contain Biblical truth. What are you doing with the salvation that God has given you? What are you doing with the gifts He has bestowed? Two weeks ago, we looked at one way to “work out” our salvation and that is to pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Last week, we saw that we are to be diligent in our walk with the Lord, not wavering. This morning I would like to point out another way that we continue to grow in grace–working out our salvation.
First of all, I must remind you that we are not speaking of becoming saved. That is completely the work of Christ when we are born again. We simply accept His grace and who He is. But then Paul tells us in Philippians to “work out.” I draw your attention to 2 Timothy 1:14, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (NASB) I like the way the NIV puts it, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Guard (“phulasso”) which means to preserve, to watch, to beware, to guard. The term “guard” is emphasized in the NIV, and that it to be our way of life. Daily we guard our souls, we guard doctrine, we guard our families. Barclay translates it thusly, “Guard the fine trust…” Guard your hope and confidence.
We must constantly be on guard. The enemy of our soul does not sleep, nor does he faint. He waits and when he sees an opportunity he attacks, therefore, we must constantly be on our guard. Guard against the easily seen evil in the world, but beware of the subtleness of the enemy and guard against false teaching, lack of ethics. Guard against what John MacArthur defines, “any doctrine which does not promote godliness is manifestly bogus.” Listen if we “lose the message, we have lost everything.” (Rossier) Paul wrote to Timothy, “O Timothy! [Place your name there] Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge–by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21, NKJV)
How do we guard? Of course, by using the armor of God found in Ephesians. Pray whenever the foe advances, pray whatever the circumstances, pray to stand, pray for the strength to guard and protect what has been given to you. Ralph Earle says, “the only way to keep doctrine is to both live and proclaim it with faith and love.” Rise up, be diligent. The way may be tiring, the obstacles many, but your obligation, your duty to yourself, your family, and most importantly to God is to guard the truth that you have been given. Don’t falter, know that the Holy Spirit is there to give you strength. The Special Forces have within their ranks men called “Gatekeepers.” Their job is to make sure that the standard of the men in the Special Forces unit meet that standard and do not fall short. Be a “Gatekeeper” of your salvation, of your family, of the God you serve.
“Rise up, O men of God
Have done with lesser things,
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.”
–William Merrill
—————————–
“Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him.”
–Philippians 2:12(TLB)
Don’t be a sluggard! Don’t be a coward! Don’t shirk your duty and responsibility as a Christian! Each of us, in our own way, in our own place are to reflect Christ’s character. Shakespeare wrote in “As You Like It”:
“Master, go on, and I will follow thee
To the last gasp, with truth and loyalty.”
Now this is not from the Bible, but it does contain Biblical truth. What are you doing with the salvation that God has given you? What are you doing with the gifts He has bestowed? Two weeks ago, we looked at one way to “work out” our salvation and that is to pick up our cross daily and follow Him. Last week, we saw that we are to be diligent in our walk with the Lord, not wavering. This morning I would like to point out another way that we continue to grow in grace–working out our salvation.
First of all, I must remind you that we are not speaking of becoming saved. That is completely the work of Christ when we are born again. We simply accept His grace and who He is. But then Paul tells us in Philippians to “work out.” I draw your attention to 2 Timothy 1:14, “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (NASB) I like the way the NIV puts it, “Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you–guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Guard (“phulasso”) which means to preserve, to watch, to beware, to guard. The term “guard” is emphasized in the NIV, and that it to be our way of life. Daily we guard our souls, we guard doctrine, we guard our families. Barclay translates it thusly, “Guard the fine trust…” Guard your hope and confidence.
We must constantly be on guard. The enemy of our soul does not sleep, nor does he faint. He waits and when he sees an opportunity he attacks, therefore, we must constantly be on our guard. Guard against the easily seen evil in the world, but beware of the subtleness of the enemy and guard against false teaching, lack of ethics. Guard against what John MacArthur defines, “any doctrine which does not promote godliness is manifestly bogus.” Listen if we “lose the message, we have lost everything.” (Rossier) Paul wrote to Timothy, “O Timothy! [Place your name there] Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge–by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21, NKJV)
How do we guard? Of course, by using the armor of God found in Ephesians. Pray whenever the foe advances, pray whatever the circumstances, pray to stand, pray for the strength to guard and protect what has been given to you. Ralph Earle says, “the only way to keep doctrine is to both live and proclaim it with faith and love.” Rise up, be diligent. The way may be tiring, the obstacles many, but your obligation, your duty to yourself, your family, and most importantly to God is to guard the truth that you have been given. Don’t falter, know that the Holy Spirit is there to give you strength. The Special Forces have within their ranks men called “Gatekeepers.” Their job is to make sure that the standard of the men in the Special Forces unit meet that standard and do not fall short. Be a “Gatekeeper” of your salvation, of your family, of the God you serve.
“Rise up, O men of God
Have done with lesser things,
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.”
–William Merrill