Engage in Battle Sermon

Don’t Give up!

1 Timothy 1:18-20

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight, 19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

Edison Job Corps – struggle with passing the test.

Verse 18

18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the good fight,

In Verse 18 begins with, “I am giving you this instruction.” It is an instruction or couple of instructions referring back to the previous verses in Chapter 1:

1 Timothy 1:3

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine

Another instruction:

1 Timothy 1:5

5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Now, back to verse 19 regarding “I am giving you this instruction.” Paul is telling Timothy he must correct and teach sound doctrine.

Let continue in verse 18 [I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you.]

What is meant by the phrase, “in keeping with the prophecies?”

To bring forth clarity:

Ephesians 2:20

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

Before the completion of New Testament cannon prophets and apostles played a vital role in the earliest days of the church. With the completion of the cannon of Scripture (Holy Bible), there is no need for more apostles and prophets. The office no longer has the same importance as it had in the first century.

Now, the prophecies given to Timothy operated as such:

1 Corinthians 14:3

3 On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation (comfort).

1 Timothy 4:14

14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.

Paul links prophecy with the elders of the church that laid their hands on Timothy to set him apart for this role.

What is the relationship between 1 Corinthians 14:3 and 1 Timothy 4:14?

Paul wanted Timothy to recall (to remember) the “prophecies.” Why remember? These prophecies probably represent favorable remarks about Timothy’s spiritual usefulness spoken at earlier occasions in his ministry. Paul wanted Timothy to remember in order to re-kindle his excitement and participation in his service to God. That by being inspired by these prophecies Timothy may successfully fight the good fight.

What is meant by the figure of speech, “Fight the good fight?”

Paul used this figure of speech to describe warfare. This would be a spiritual battle against the forces of evil.

Ephesians 6:12 (CSB)

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.

The verse describes the spiritual battle that exists in all believers. Paul tells us our battle is not just physical but it is spiritual. As believers in Christ Jesus, the enemies we encounter are not just people or objects. We encounter Satan and his minions! The weapons they war against us is our sin! The lust of the flesh. The pride of life. The lust of the eyes.

Satan’s main focus is God! He hates God with passion. Anything created or bore the image of God Satan will do all within his power to destroy. For example, last Sunday, Pastor Steve talked about the demonic attacks of baby Jesus. Satan used Herod in the attempt to murder Jesus. Also, Pastor Steve shared with us about Job. How Satan tried to use his tricks of trickery against the Almighty God.

The point is this Satan is always attacking God. In the same way, the children of God are subject to Satan’s attack. When I shared with you regarding the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness. I took you to Adam and Eve. I explained Satan’s approach to implement his lies which is always subtle (low-toned) and casual. Gives you just enough information to make you doubt, and to fear.

(Back to Timothy) Timothy had made a great start in his ministry. He had worked alongside Paul, who regarded him as his ‘true son in the faith.’ Timothy had been marked out by the prophets as the one to deal with the circumstances in the Church. Timothy had been entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Christians in Ephesus.

Timothy is surrounded by praise and acknowledgement regarding his faithfulness to God. What’s going on with Timothy’s mind? And with all the weight of responsibilities on his shoulders. Young Timothy beings to wither from the greatness of the task which faced him.

1 Timothy 1:3

3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus

There’s an indication regarding Timothy commitment to the church of Ephesus. It is apparent Timothy wanted to go with Paul when Paul left for Macedonia. I believe Satan or his minions got to the heart of Timothy in order to cast fear.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear.

Timothy was called to establish order back to the church of Ephesus:

Emphasize the proper use of Old Testament doctrine (1:3-11)

Restore order in teaching and institute prayer for those in authority (2:12-13)

Insure leaders were properly qualified (3:1-13)

Guard the truths of the faith in light of apostasy (4:1-16)

Minister to diverse groups in the church (5:1-6)

Warn against greed or the love of money (6:10)

This is a tall order for one who is a young man. Timothy will be facing huge hurdles and challenges. That’s when the enemy comes in and whispers “I can’t.” Often we repeat the lies of Satan and his demons by saying, “I can’t.” I believe all this taking place in Timothy’s heart and mind. I can’t follow God. I can’t because I am too young. I can’t follow Paul’s instructions. With that belief, there’s no way Timothy can be useful in the Kingdom of God. There’s no way Timothy can fight the good fight!

As a spiritual father, Paul knew exactly what to say to erase the demonic language plaguing in Timothy’s heart and mind. By recalling (remembering) the prophecies, then Timothy you will understand you’re aided in this fight and you’re aided in your commitment to serve God. By reflecting on the prophecies it will encourage you to know that the battle is not your own, but it is God’s. Then you can fight the good fight! And you can do this with having faith and a good conscience.

Verse 19-20

19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.

The term “faith” refers to a personal commitment to Christ Jesus, a personal faith in him.

The term “good conscience” refers to doing what you know it right.

We know Timothy is already a committed believer.

What is Paul communicating to Timothy?

That Timothy must hold and maintain the truth of the gospel. When he administers the gospel, he will have a good conscience since he does it with obedience toward Christ.

There’s a warning to Timothy. Do not be like Hymenaeus and Alexander.

These men had abandoned the gospel’s truth and failed to let God’s Word shape their consciences. Both men have shipwrecked their faith. Paul used a powerful picture to show that their lives were like ships that had been knocked off course by the waves and broken into pieces by the rocks. These men made a disaster of their lives by rejecting their commitment (their faith) to Christ.

Paul had no other choice but to ‘deliver them to Satan.

Deliver to Satan’ is an expression Paul uses to describe the discipline that has to be put in place when serious sins occur in the church. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 when Paul discovered that incest had been reported. Paul said, ‘When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan.

If a person, calling himself a Christian, rejects the truth by embracing a lifestyle that contradicts it. He has already put themselves under Satan’s influence. Being handed over to the enemy will hopefully realize the seriousness of their rebellion against God. Also, it will warn the rest of the church not to embrace their rebellion.

It is challenging to be consistent when so many Christians wander from the truth. If Timothy is to avoid ending up like Hymenaeus and Alexander, he will need to ‘fight the good fight’. To help him do so, Paul takes him back to some prophecies that were made about him.

Application:

So, by recalling them: Christians can often live in fear and anxiety. And that’s when the enemy comes to add to the misery, by whispering the enemy words which holds no truth. I can’t or God won’t. All we need to do is read our Bible and recall and repeat the truth of God’s Word, which will aid in battle, encourage, strengthen, and comfort us.

Isaiah 11:2

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him--the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.

Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"

By recalling (remembering), we, too, can fight the good fight. When we say “I can’t” lie, it stops us before we start. Don’t give up, and do not believe the enemy’s lies.

James 1:5 (CSB)

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

James 4:8 (CSB)

8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Having faith and a good conscience, we experience joy and the fullest of our hearts. This joy and the fullest of the heart will be displayed for the church and the world.

Obedience, clear conscience

1 Peter 1:7 (CSB)

7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

As I mentioned: Verse 18, keeping with the prophecies.

Paul wanted Timothy to recall (to remember) the “prophecies.” Why remember? These prophecies probably represent favorable remarks about Timothy’s spiritual usefulness spoken on earlier occasions in his ministry. Paul wanted Timothy to remember to re-kindle his excitement and participation in his service to God. By being inspired by these prophecies, Timothy may fight the good fight.