20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:20–21
I often smile to myself when I see ring bearers at weddings. Though the rings are usually fake, the idea of entrusting an expensive and important piece of jewelry to a toddler is just funny. They can’t yet understand how important the deposit they are holding is worth.
What is the most important thing you have ever been trusted with?
Stand Guard
“Keep” in this verse means to watch over something or stand guard. The mental picture this should bring to mind is like the Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They pace back and forth alert to any change in the situation.
Timothy was to guard the truth. The truth has been entrusted to his care and now he is to guard it, alert to any threat or change.
His Charge
Timothy is to keep the charge of the gospel that Paul had (1 Tim 1:11) and that Paul had passed on to Timothy (1 Tim 1:18).
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is summarized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again. This is our hope for fellowship with God in this life and confidence for eternity. This is a sacred responsibility. Paul felt its weight heavily, now it was Timothy’s turn to carry it on.
The Distractions
Most things that are guarded are never attacked. In fact, most of the guards at stores, banks, federal buildings, and jewelry stores will never even see an attempted robbery.
The guards’ main opposition then isn’t an attack or robbery, but a distraction. If he can be distracted then an attacker might gain the upper hand more easily, and make away with the goods, or break the secured area.
Timothy had several possible distractions, things that if they caught him off guard may in fact spoil his charge.
Profane and Vain Babbling
These would be worldly-wise conversations and endless useless talk.
Believers are sometimes accused of a lack of understanding of the things of this world. I think this would be preferred over entering into a profane conversation.
Often when discussions in Sunday school classes or small group bible studies start to show a lack of scriptural depth, it is the worldly nature of the conversation and the multiplication of words without any depth of meaning.
We must be on guard because of these things. Proverbs warns: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) Sometimes the best thing we can do for the sake of the gospel is to be quiet.
Words can be the vehicle of truth, even the Gospel. When the Words of Life are mixed with the words of the world or diluted with endless meaningless words the message can be lost. I think this truth is why David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
Oppositions of Science
The flip-side of worldly and endless useless talk is “oppositions of science.” Paul is referring to the “special knowledge” that some would claim oppose the teachings of scripture.
Anyone claiming “special knowledge” of God or scripture that you cannot see in scripture should be viewed with skepticism. Be on guard against those who with pride claim special knowledge with or without study. Those with much training can try to set bounds of what they think others can understand. Those without much training can overemphasize their experience as a new standard of truth.
These are falsely called knowledge. Paul makes a point to say this. We know the Gospel because God gave us this knowledge and confirmed the authority of it in His word.
Like with anything else, know your Bible.
Grace
And with the words “Grace be with thee. Amen.” Paul finishes this letter. Timothy would need grace just as Paul needed grace. God’s grace will sustain and enable all who stand guard for the sake of the gospel.
Your Turn
Though Timothy may have received a special call in the service of the gospel, each of us is called to “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) You have the same charge that Timothy had.
This is a sacred charge.
Set your focus and train yourself to not let distractions spoil your charge. Make your words count, choose words that go with the truth of the gospel. Focus on the truth of God’s word not any special or different teaching others may be peddling.
Live in God’s grace.
You need it. God is offering it to you. Live in it.
