Danger, Desertion, and Duty

Introduction - the Belgian Surrender

Guarded

While using our gifts, we are to be grounded by our faith

Paul wants Timothy to use his faith, but it must be grounded in the gospel

Similarly, just as we are given gifts, we are to have them grounded in the gospel

How do we do this?

We must guard our faith, so that it stays grounded in the faith and love in Jesus Christ

This is an active process, not a passive one

Possession of the knowledge of faith versus constant use of faith in engaging the world

Knowing Christ is Lord versus asking what it means to live out that knowledge

Knowing the Great Commission versus doing the Great Commission - not everything a Christian does supports the work of Christ

Our guarding is aided by the Holy Spirit and will lead us

Example: Onesephorus

This was a pattern for Onesephorus (worked in Ephesus)

He is out positive example of following through

Unguarded

What happens when we do not guard our faith?

We may be pulled off of our grounding in Christ

We may desert the faith

Who? Phygelus and Hermogenes named

specifically named; seems harsh

we need to understand the reality

but I won’t! I’m here!

How: Screwtape

Intellectual - what we think of

Emotional - what we do functionally

soldier who doesn’t use his gun

pianist who uses one finger