Taking Hold of True Life Part 3: A Concluding Caution

Taking a Hold of True Life
Part 3: A Concluding Caution

1 Timothy 6:20-21

“O Timothy…”
1 Timothy 6:20(ESV)

1. Guard the gospel.

“Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you.”
1 Timothy 6:20

“O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you.”
1 Timothy 6:20(ESV)

“Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.”
1 Timothy 6:2-3

“Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”
2 Timothy 1:13-14

- Faithfully proclaiming it, protects it.

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12(NIV)

“Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
1 Timothy 6:14(ESV)

“If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.”
1 Timothy 4:6

“Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.”
2 Timothy 1:14

2. Don’t argue with foolishness.

“Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.”
1 Timothy 6:20-21

“ Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.”
1 Timothy 4:7

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.”
2 Timothy 2:15-18

“Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are. Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.”
Proverbs 26:4-5

- Careful with confrontation and contemplation.

“When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth.”
1 Timothy 1:3

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.”
2 Timothy 2:25

“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you in your land. Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Leviticus 19:33-34

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.”
Romans 13:1-5

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
2 Timothy 2:22-26