"Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you."

The only way we can guard the treasure is through the Holy Spirit. We are too weak and powerless - too wicked in the flesh, and too weak in the new creation. We must have the Spirit through Christ!

Thank God he promised to give himself to everyone who asks. Christ's blood is enough to pay for sins, and grace is free to the undeserving.

We should have permanent zeal, but our soul cleaves to the dust, and we crave the world. Psalms 119:25, "My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word." We should be fire hot, but we love ease and praise. We love to be served, rather than serving. We want our own will, and it's war.

Bless God that he's good to the weak and the weary. He helps everyone who needs him. Romans 10:13, "For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Confess your worldliness, and he'll fire you up. Confess your lack zeal!

First, "guard." Be on guard. You're under attack. Don't let the world dampen your zeal. Don't seek after glory. Keep your eye on the prize.

Remember, Jonah must go to Nineveh, and Paul must suffer for Christ. We haven't been saved to run the show. Do what your Master says, and get the grace to love it. Keep the gospel in faith and love. 2 Timothy 1:13, "Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Let the gospel be your #1 comfort, and your #1 joy for others. Let it rule you.

Secondly, "through the Holy Spirit!" This isn't something we do. Don't stir it up yourself. Rely on God to inflame you with passion. Trust in him to burn your heart, and bring you comfort [Luke 24:32]. Come to him dead and lifeless! Come craving the world's praise. Tell him your temptations, and the dryness of your soul. Tell him that you need passion. Tell him your doubts, frustrations, and cravings. Cast your burden on him, because he cares. He's kind and gracious. He's the ultimate realist.

God's faithful to help us up. He fulfills his word with power [2 Thessalonians 1:11]. He doesn't ask us to fake it! He hates hypocrisy. Say, "I'm weak, and tempted. I don't want to serve. I have other things creeping in. What's your decision?"

Ask him if you can have passion for Christ, and an earthly blessing. 1 Timothy 4:4, "For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving;" Are your children distracting you? You're loving money too much? Bring these things under subjection, and serve God with your blessings. Ask him to kill worldliness, and make Christ all. Remember your First Love - that he's always to be your passion. Don't let the flame go out. Call on the Spirit! 2 Timothy 1:6, "Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands."

Thirdly, "the treasure which has been intrusted to you." We've been commanded to preach the gospel. We have no choice. We can't live for ourselves: Happiness is not there. It's very dangerous to grow cold - to be in the pulpit, while our heart is elsewhere… to have no passion for souls! May God help us to pray through these problems, and confess our sins. 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." He'll help all who call upon him! He'll keep Christ first.

Don't let husband or wife, business or children keep you from fanning the flame. Stir it up by the Holy Spirit. Stir it up! Walk with God in your blessings, rather than away from him. Love people passionately. God's grace is sufficient!