READ: 2 Tim. 1:7-14
O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. – 1 Tim. 6:20-21
As an officeholder and servant of the divine Word, Timothy holds a position of heavy responsibility. This task has been given to him by God Himself, entrusted to him. Paul addresses him now in a compelling manner by name.
He instructs him on behalf of Christ: guard the deposit that was committed to your trust: the precious proclamation and ministry of the gospel. It can make people wise for salvation! A deposit is something of value that is placed in your care to protect. The gospel is an extremely precious possession, a rich treasure.
God places officeholders in a position of trust for it: they must work with His gospel and keep it unblemished. It must be proclaimed purely and without distortion. Nothing should be taken away from it and nothing added (Deut. 4:2; 12:32, Rev. 22:18-19). How rich we are as congregation members when we have faithful officeholders who, in God’s strength and under His blessing, fulfill their office so well!
This office also demands struggle. Paul says: turn away from so-called wisdom that is human and not divine wisdom. Such so-called wisdom can be presented using Biblical words. However, it involves falsification. It is unholy, empty talk because it goes against Scripture and can lead to destruction.
It requires genuine knowledge of Scripture and holy discernment for officeholders to unmask and reject false teachings. For the congregation, it is of vital importance that pastors guard the entrusted deposit in this way. May the Lord grant them His grace in this matter.
Do you know an example of such idle babblings?
Singing: Ps. 119:40