War a Good Warfare
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Introduction |
Throughout history great speeches have been given to prepare soldiers for war. One just need to do a search online and you will see great speeches listed. Speeches such as King Henry V’s “St. Crispin’s Day Speech,” immortalized by Shakespear himself; Winston Churchill’s, “We shall fight for the beaches,” before storming Normendy; or Joan of Arc’s, “Seiz of Orlean’s” speech to encourage the French. This list could continue on and on. It is this such type of speech that Paul gives to young Timothy to prepare him for the war at hand. He uses two metaphors from the military to explain the conflict at hand. We find before us a pep talk that is needed for the church today. A pep talk to remind us of the war at hand. We must be faithful to fight.
Focus Passage | 1 Timothy 1:18-20
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
The Charge to Fight (A metaphor from the army) (v. 18)
This charge was from a superior officer (v.18a)
Despite the difficulties and challenges that lay ahead, the charge was to be followed.
The charged was given, I commit unto thee, it was to be followed no matter the cost.
The church has been equipped for the charge before her (v.18b)
Paul encouraged Timothy to stand his ground and know that he had already been equipped for this war he was to face. j
12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
Just as Timothy was equipped, the church is today. We have nothing to fear. We are to stand on the truth of the Gospel and fight. The Lord is our strength.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
The charge was for war (v.18c)
Every born again believer is to wage war. This is how we bring glory and honor to the Lord (vv.15-17).
May we understand that this war is not with flesh and blood. This war is not with each other. Our war is not with flesh at all.
We truly are in a spiritual war. We have three truths to remember while facing this war:
Our battle is not with flesh and blood
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Our armoury is the armor of God
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Our weaponry is spiritual
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Do Not Become Shipwrecked (A metaphor from the navy) (v.19)
We are called to grip our faith and not let go - ‘holding faith’
‘Hold’ gives the idea of ‘fortification,’ ‘a place of refuge and safety,’ a ‘stronghold.’ It means to, ‘put in custody.’ All great things we must do with our faith as professing believers.
We are called to live out our faith - ‘and a good conscience’
It is this assault on one’s conscience that causes one to become shipwrecked (broken apart) in the faith. It is like trying to live separate lives and not be a divided home front. It is impossible.
One man said of his hypocritical pastor, “He is such a good preacher, he should never get out of the pulpit; but he is such a poor Christian, he should never get into the pulpit.” - Warren Weirsbe
H.L. Manchen defined the conscience as, “the inner voice which warns us that somebody may be looking.” However, we should be living as if we are being watched at all times, because we are being watched.
When one sins agains their conscience and ignores the convicting power of the Holy Spirit they are shipwrecking their faith.
Judgment befalls the shipwrecked (v.20)
One who is shipwrecked will find themselves in a place of judgment
Hymanaeus and Alexander were disassociated from the church, handed over to satan. This was not be destroy them but to save them.
5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
One who is shipwrecked must be disciplined
Conclusion |
Where do you find yourself? Where do you find yourself before God?
23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
