2 Timothy 1:8-14 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, 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, 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, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 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. 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.
In Paul's last recorded words, we find his most passionate statements about the Gospel of Jesus Christ which He has been entrusted to share. In charging Timothy to follow with likewise conviction, Paul knows that it is not our own power and inner strength that is needed to endure, but ultimately, we need the power of the Holy Spirit to protect the truth in our lives. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, will go all out to keep us from twisting the truth in our words and in our lives. In a day marked by revisionist history, we must have the same convictions when it comes to the Gospel, both what we share, and how we live it out in our lives.
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