“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” 2 Timothy 1:13-14
Alone in prison and abandoned by many of his friends, Paul fondly remembers the encouragement he received from Timothy’s sincere faith. And now, Paul is giving Timothy encouragement to remain solidly in that faith.
“Keep” is a command to Timothy to persist in the “sound words of healthy teaching”. Many who say they speak for Christ proclaim false doctrine. Like Timothy, we need to pursue sound teaching and avoid all teaching that does not conform to the Scriptures, no matter how good certain teachers might sound or how large their following might be.
The “good deposit.” Is a phrase that refers to Paul’s teachings to Timothy. To “guard” or to “protect” such a deposit in the ancient world meant you were obligated to scrupulously guard another’s possession, keeping it secure, then returning it in the same condition in which it was received.
The phrase “who lives in us” simply describes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, which Paul includes in many of his books of the Bible.
God’s blessings on your day…