What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 6:20? O Timothy Paul begins personally and warmly: “O Timothy.” It is a father calling to his son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2). The address reminds us: •The gospel is passed on through relationships (2 Timothy 2:1-2). •The stakes are high for those entrusted with leadership (Acts 20:28). •The appeal is urgent; Paul is near the end of his letter and ministry (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Guard What Has Been Entrusted To You “Guard what has been entrusted to you.” The deposit is the whole counsel of God—sound doctrine, the gospel itself (2 Timothy 1:14; Jude 3). Guarding means: •Holding to doctrine without dilution (Titus 1:9). •Teaching it faithfully (1 Timothy 4:11-16). •Protecting the flock from error (Acts 20:29-31). Timothy is not to innovate but to safeguard what God has already revealed (Galatians 1:8-9). Avoid Irreverent, Empty Chatter Paul adds, “Avoid irreverent, empty chatter.” Such talk is: •Godless—lacking reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:4). •Empty—devoid of spiritual substance (Proverbs 10:19). •Contagious—“their message will spread like gangrene” (2 Timothy 2:16-17). We guard truth not only by proclamation but by refusing conversations that erode respect for God’s Word (Colossians 4:6). Opposing Arguments of so-called “Knowledge” Lastly, Timothy must turn from “opposing arguments of so-called ‘knowledge.’” Paul is exposing teachings that parade as superior insight yet contradict Scripture (1 Timothy 1:4-7). Such “knowledge”: •Leads to pride (1 Corinthians 8:1-2). •Produces debate rather than godliness (1 Timothy 6:4-5). •Shipwrecks faith when embraced (1 Timothy 1:19). True knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and aligns with “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:3). summary Paul’s charge in 1 Timothy 6:20 is both tender and firm: Timothy must treasure the gospel, refuse empty talk, and reject counterfeit wisdom. Guarding the deposit keeps the church anchored in truth and promotes genuine godliness in every generation. |
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