Guard the Deposit: Final Defense

Read the text

2 Timothy 1:6–14; 2:1–7

Read the primary passage aloud twice. On the first reading, listen for the burden of the text. On the second, mark repeated words, contrasts, commands, promises, causes, and conclusions.

• Jude 3
• 1 Peter 3:13–17
• Matthew 28:18–20

Language desk

Words that clarify—not words that perform.

Confirm each gloss by its use in this context. A lexicon offers possibilities; the sentence, paragraph, author, and canon determine what a word is doing here.

Form the doctrine

The theological claim

The church guards apostolic truth by embodying it, proclaiming it, defending it, and entrusting it to others.

Defense drill

Say it under pressure.

Present a twelve-minute defense chosen at random, answer questions, and close with the gospel.

• State the opposing claim in a form its adherent could recognize.
• Open the controlling passage and establish the immediate context.
• Make one clear argument before adding supporting texts.
• Ask a diagnostic question, listen to the answer, and return to Christ and the gospel.

Wednesday assignment

Carry the truth into the week.

Write a one-year rule of life for study, prayer, witness, church service, and continued training.