Conserving the Truth

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:20-21

In this sermon on 1 Timothy 6:20–21, the preacher argues that biblical conservatism is not about politics, personality, or nostalgia but about stewardship: guarding what God has entrusted to His church. Paul’s command to Timothy, “Guard what was committed to your trust,” becomes the central theme, calling Christians to preserve and transmit pure Christianity across generations. This includes conserving right doctrine (orthodoxy), right practice in church life (orthopraxy), and right affections or loves (orthopathy). Believers guard the faith by learning it deeply, living it visibly, teaching it faithfully, and avoiding speculative ideas or so-called knowledge that contradicts Scripture. The message concludes by reminding listeners that the faith has endured through centuries because ordinary Christians faithfully conserved it, and that this responsibility continues today, sustained not by human strength but by the grace of God.

David De Bruyn

David is a native of Johannesburg, where he and his family reside. He is married with three children. David received a Diploma in Media Studies (majoring in Radio Broadcasting) from Rand Afrikaans University (now University of Johannesburg) and later trained in Web Development. His theological training culminated in an Honour’s degree from the South African Theological Seminary, and a Master’s Degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minnesota, U.S.A. His Th.D. is in Christian Spirituality through the University of South Africa. Since 1999, he has presented a weekly radio program that is heard throughout much of central South Africa. He has pastored New Covenant Baptist Church since 2003, served as an itinerant speaker and conference speaker, and serves as a professor at Shepherds Seminary Africa. David describes his theological convictions as Christian, credobaptist, cessationist, complementarian, creationist, conservative, and chiliast.