As I was sitting in Starbucks this morning, the table across from me was occupied by two college students, both girls. As I was reviewing some notes I had written the night before on a specific text, I overheard a modicum (google that word) of their convo. One of the young ladies was extremely giddy in sharing with her friend about the incredible week she was having. After tuning my ears a bit to their conversation (I know, so rude but SO FUN), the reason she was giddy was because the past two nights she had hung out with a male “acquaintance.” She rattled on about how they stayed up with their friends talking till all hours of the night, had driven all around the valley one night with her friends and him, and blah blah blah! Long story short, this young girl (who I found out through listening more, was a Christian) was what I like to say, “twitterpated” with this young man. Although nothing was official as they were at the “getting to know each other phase,” she was obviously oozing with excitement about practically nothing. She had simply hung out with this guy at small groups, with her friends, at coffee, etc and couldn’t keep it inside! It was very entertaining and in a manly way I would say “cute!” I remember having those same feelings when I first started hanging with my now fiancé. To this day I still get giddy when I talk about her to someone…yes, I am still twitterpated! I love telling everyone about my future wife and it brings me such joy!
And then I started thinking (which is never a good sign)! Do I ooze with what has been given freely to me? Do I show my twiterpated heart because of the amazing grace God has given to me? If people “overhear” my life, do they see my excitement about the Gospel?
Obviously Paul declares that we are saved according to the grace of God and not by any works we have done. When we truly realize this as Paul did, it should move us to a posture like Paul’s – unashamed and reckless living for Christ! Paul then states in verse 14 to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” The Greek word “guard” in context means “to guard from being lost; to keep; to preserve.”
Do you see what Paul’s charge is? He is saying that if you understand the Gospel correctly you should be moved to live passionately and unashamedly for Christ. How do you do that? By making sure the Gospel is never lost in your heart. That it is always the main thing in our lives, both privately and publicly. If we are having the Gospel truly affect our lives as it should, we should be challenged to show others how it impacts us, even if that means we are viewed as “twitterpated,” “giddy,” or “silly.” We are called to guard the Gospel in our lives, for if we do, then it will impact our lives so that it “oozes” out to others…what an amazing challenge!
And then I started thinking (which is never a good sign)! Do I ooze with what has been given freely to me? Do I show my twiterpated heart because of the amazing grace God has given to me? If people “overhear” my life, do they see my excitement about the Gospel?
"8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. 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. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." 2 Timothy 1:8-14 ESV (bold added for emphasis)
It’s amazing to read Paul’s letter as he so wonderfully describes his experience and encounter with God’s grace. I love how Paul so clearly shows us the Gospel. The Gospel is never good news when it is about us, but is only good news when it is about Christ. This is so clearly shown in verse 9. Paul shows us in these seven verses a wonderful expectation and response to the Gospel!Obviously Paul declares that we are saved according to the grace of God and not by any works we have done. When we truly realize this as Paul did, it should move us to a posture like Paul’s – unashamed and reckless living for Christ! Paul then states in verse 14 to “guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” The Greek word “guard” in context means “to guard from being lost; to keep; to preserve.”
Do you see what Paul’s charge is? He is saying that if you understand the Gospel correctly you should be moved to live passionately and unashamedly for Christ. How do you do that? By making sure the Gospel is never lost in your heart. That it is always the main thing in our lives, both privately and publicly. If we are having the Gospel truly affect our lives as it should, we should be challenged to show others how it impacts us, even if that means we are viewed as “twitterpated,” “giddy,” or “silly.” We are called to guard the Gospel in our lives, for if we do, then it will impact our lives so that it “oozes” out to others…what an amazing challenge!
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