Guarding Our Trust

The apostle Paul warns: "The inspired utterance says definitely that in later periods of time some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons."  (1Timothy 4:1)  Yes, harmful ideas pose a real threat.  Understandably, Paul entreated his dear friend Timothy: "O Timothy, guard  what is laid up in trust with you, turning away what is holy and from  the empty speeches that violate what is holy and from the contradictions of the falsely called 'knowledge." For making a show of such knowledge  some have deviated from the faith." -1 Timothy 6:20, 21.

How can we today benefit from this loving warning?  Timothy was given a trust-something valuable to care for and protect.  What was it? Paul explains:  "Keep holding the pattern for healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.  This fine trust guard through the holy spirit which is dwelling in us." (2 Timothy 1:13,  14) Yes, Timothy's trust included the "healthful words," "the teaching that accords with godly devotion." (1 Timothy 6:3) In harmony with these words, Christian today are determined to protect their faith and the body of truth with which they have been entrusted.

Guarding that trust includes cultivating such things as good Bible-study habits and perseverance in prayer, while working "what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith."  (Galatians 6:10; Romans 12:11-17)  Paul further admonishes:  "Pursue righteousness, godly devotion, faith, love, endurance, mildness of temper.  Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses." (1Timothy 6:11, 12) Paul's use of such phrases as "fight the fine fight" and "get a firm hold"  makes it clear that we must actively and determinedly resist spiritually harmful influences.

Next time: The Need for Discernment

The Watchtower, 2000