Guard (Dictionary): One assigned to protect or oversee another: such as a person or a body of persons on sentinel duty; to protect from danger especially by watchful attention: make secure; to watch over so as to prevent escape, disclosure, or indiscretion.
Guard (Bible): A guard; ward; prison; target; mark; observe; watch over; preserve; keep safe; keep in mind, keep close.
There are many ways that treasures can be guarded. All we need do is to look at banks, museums and gated communities to name a few. Many places have guards with weapons to protect the treasures stored inside.
2 Timothy 1:13-14: 13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you. (NASB)
The treasure stored in us is the grace, truth and faith of the gospel. Paul is reminding Timothy he is to guard the gifting and truth God has blessed him with.
God has also entrusted us to not only guard our treasure from worldly attacks but to share the treasure of good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. We are only able to do this because of the Holy Spirit working through us.Things of great value are usually kept under lock and key! But our treasure should be seen not hidden.
To be effective guards we need effective weapons! God has provided His children with awesome and mighty weapons including the armor of God in Ephesians 6!
2 Corinthians 10:2-5: 2 But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…(NKJV)
Ephesians 6:10-17: 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (NASB)
The truth is we are indeed at war and the battle is for the souls of mankind! But God’s grace is ours and God has provided us with the amazing and powerful weapon of righteousness!
Romans 6:13: And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. (HCSB)
2 Corinthians 6:7: in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, (NASB)
Righteousness allows us to walk out our Christian life in prayer and praise. Living in His righteousness will reveal the great treasure we have and be a powerful weapon against the darkness of the world. Our weapon of righteousness operates only when we have God’s righteousness and not our own.
1 John1:9-10: 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. (NASB)
And while we are guarding the treasures of God’s word in us, God is laying up treasures in heaven! I really don’t understand how that happens but it is in God’s hands and He is the best guard of all!
Matthew 6:19-21: Don’t pile up treasures on earth, where moth and rust can spoil them and thieves can break in and steal. But keep your treasure in Heaven where there is neither moth nor rust to spoil it and nobody can break in and steal. For wherever your treasure is, you may be certain that your heart will be there too! (Phillips)
They posted guards at the tomb of Jesus and that was a wasted effort. They posted guards over Peter and placed shackles on him. That didn’t work out too well for the guards either! The people who sent the guards had no insight into what was happening! A focus on worldly things will result in a worldly outcome! Must not allow our focus to become worldly!
Heavenly Father, as we fight the daily battles, please guard our treasure and use us as witness of your grace. Help us remember to wear Your armor and use the sword of the Spirit! Amen
