1Tim.1:18-20 The Fight Is On!
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18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, 19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
1 tim. 1
Sub: The Fight Is On!
Sub: The Fight Is On!
Intro:
Intro:
From the high point of praise to God, Paul turned his attention back to Timothy. The young disciple faced a difficult situation in the church at Ephesus, but Paul knew he could handle the challenge. Paul challenged Timothy to fight the good fight against Satan. He was challenged to wage an unending war against sin and Satan. The warfare Timothy was challenged to wage would demand that he would be spiritually healthy. Timothy was left in Ephesus because there was a war he was to wage against the false teachers there. It was Timothy’s job to demand that false teachers would stop spreading their false teachings. The war was to be waged for God’s sake. Christians need not think that we are the main reason Satan attacks us. Satan is not really after us. He is really after God. Satan attacks us in an effort to hinder the plans of God. Whenever Satan wins battles against us, he gains territory that should be occupied by God.
Satan is after the church to corrupt and defile the church, to conquer and control the church. We are at war and the church must fight the good fight of faith. Often we have to be reminded of the importance and the intensity of this spiritual battle.
What Timothy needed in the meantime was encouragement and helpful instructions. Paul admonished and encouraged Timothy to fight on, press on, and to fulfill the course which God had set out for him. It does not matter the size of the church, the location of the church, or the history of the church, there is spiritual warfare going on in and around us. We must never turn away from God’s word and the fundamentals of the Christian faith. We must fight the enemy and those who try to corrode the church with false teaching. Paul reminded Timothy that the fight was on. The fight is on and we are not to lay down our weapons, give in to the enemy, throw in the towel, or give up on Jesus. Christians are to fight the foe by faith and fight for the faith. says, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” I want to challenge the church of Jesus Christ to stand up for the faith, stand strong for the faith, and fight hard for the faith.
Like a coach preparing his eager young fighter for the match of his life, Paul put an imaginary arm around Timothy's shoulders and passed on a few last-minute instructions.
From the high point of praise to God, Paul turned his attention back to Timothy. The young disciple faced a difficult situation in the church at Ephesus, but Paul knew he could handle the challenge. Paul challenged Timothy to fight the good fight against Satan. He was challenged to wage an unending war against sin and Satan. The warfare Timothy was challenged to wage would demand that he would be spiritually healthy. Timothy was left in Ephesus because there was a war he was to wage against the false teachers there. It was Timothy’s job to demand that false teachers would stop spreading their false teachings. The war was to be waged for God’s sake. Christians need not think that we are the main reason Satan attacks us. Satan is not really after us. He is really after God. Satan attacks us in an effort to hinder the plans of God. Whenever Satan wins battles against us, he gains territory that should be occupied by God.
Satan is after the church to corrupt and defile the church, to conquer and control the church. We are at war and the church must fight the good fight of faith. Often we have to be reminded of the importance and the intensity of this spiritual battle.
What Timothy needed in the meantime was encouragement and helpful instructions. Paul admonished and encouraged Timothy to fight on, press on, and to fulfill the course which God had set out for him. It does not matter the size of the church, the location of the church, or the history of the church, there is spiritual warfare going on in and around us. We must never turn away from God’s word and the fundamentals of the Christian faith. We must fight the enemy and those who try to corrode the church with false teaching. Paul reminded Timothy that the fight was on. The fight is on and we are not to lay down our weapons, give in to the enemy, throw in the towel, or give up on Jesus. Christians are to fight the foe by faith and fight for the faith. says, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” I want to challenge the church of Jesus Christ to stand up for the faith, stand strong for the faith, and fight hard for the faith.
Like a coach preparing his eager young fighter for the match of his life, Paul put an imaginary arm around Timothy's shoulders and passed on a few last-minute instructions.
I. There’s an Assignment for His Son
I. There’s an Assignment for His Son
18a Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you.....
The Holman Christian Standard Bible Chapter 1
18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you
Timothy had a great responsibility as the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Every pastor of every church has a great responsibility. Paul reminded Timothy of his call and commission as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul solemnly charges Timothy concerning his duties as the shepherd at Ephesus.
Timothy had a great responsibility as the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Every pastor of every church has a great responsibility. Paul reminded Timothy of his call and commission as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul solemnly charges Timothy concerning his duties as the shepherd at Ephesus.
Charge or Instruction: paraggelia from Greek ; a mandate charge,
Instruction, command. In the Gospels parangellō is used only of Jesus’ commands.
Paul used parangelia in reference to the apostolic authority to give “commands” to the church. In Paul spoke of a “command” he gave to his young coworker. This use of parangelia is closest to its earliest meaning of a “command” given by a superior.
The charge was committed to Timothy!
Charge or Instruction: paraggelia from Greek ; a mandate charge,
Instruction, command. In the Gospels parangellō is used only of Jesus’ commands.
Paul used parangelia in reference to the apostolic authority to give “commands” to the church. In Paul spoke of a “command” he gave to his young coworker. This use of parangelia is closest to its earliest meaning of a “command” given by a superior.
The charge was committed to Timothy!
Paul began. There is something tender and touching about this appeal because the word translated "son" here is teknon, which means "child." Wolves prowled in Ephesus () and there was a growing lukewarmness (), and, in some respects, Timothy was only a child to those he would give leadership to.
Commit or Giving: paratithemi, par-at-ith'-ay-mee; to place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication to deposit (as a trust or for protection):-allege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before. This word is in the middle voice in the Greek language and it means here “to deposit or entrust; as with a treasure that must be guarded.” This word was used of entrusting a person with something of great value to be guarded and kept safe. It also refers to entrusting someone to another’s care.
Two times the word carries the commercial idea of “placing” something “in trust.” Paul committed (paratithēmi) the Christian teachings to Timothy () who was therefore obligated to leave the doctrine intact and uncontaminated from non-Christian elements. Paul also commanded Timothy “to place in trust” these same teachings to others who were to proclaim the same untainted Christian message ().
Commit or Giving: paratithemi, par-at-ith'-ay-mee; to place alongside, i.e. present (food, truth); by implication to deposit (as a trust or for protection):-allege, commend, commit (the keeping of), put forth, set before. This word is in the middle voice in the Greek language and it means here “to deposit or entrust; as with a treasure that must be guarded.” This word was used of entrusting a person with something of great value to be guarded and kept safe. It also refers to entrusting someone to another’s care.
Two times the word carries the commercial idea of “placing” something “in trust.” Paul committed (paratithēmi) the Christian teachings to Timothy () who was therefore obligated to leave the doctrine intact and uncontaminated from non-Christian elements. Paul also commanded Timothy “to place in trust” these same teachings to others who were to proclaim the same untainted Christian message ().
This was an urgent command; it was a like a military command. This command laid upon the person the most urgent and critical obligation. This was not a take it or leave it proposition. Donald Guthrie said, “The ministry is not a mater to be trifled with, but an order from the Commander-in-Chief.”
This was an urgent command; it was a like a military command. This command laid upon the person the most urgent and critical obligation. This was not a take it or leave it proposition. Donald Guthrie said, “The ministry is not a mater to be trifled with, but an order from the Commander-in-Chief.”
a. Parental Appeal
a. Parental Appeal
Paul began. There is something tender and touching about this appeal because the word translated "son" here is teknon, which means "child." Wolves prowled in Ephesus () and there was a growing lukewarmness (), and, in some respects, Timothy was only a child by age to those he would give leadership to. Timothy might have been a child, but he had Paul for a spiritual father. All of the apostle's authority, wisdom, and experience were at Timothy's disposal. Indeed, much of this wisdom can be found in the pages of this epistle. Paul had a personal, parental concern for Timothy and did not hesitate to let it be known.
Paul began. There is something tender and touching about this appeal because the word translated "son" here is teknon, which means "child." Wolves prowled in Ephesus () and there was a growing lukewarmness (), and, in some respects, Timothy was only a child by age to those he would give leadership to. Timothy might have been a child, but he had Paul for a spiritual father. All of the apostle's authority, wisdom, and experience were at Timothy's disposal. Indeed, much of this wisdom can be found in the pages of this epistle. Paul had a personal, parental concern for Timothy and did not hesitate to let it be known.
b. Prophetic Approval
b. Prophetic Approval
Paul's charge was committed to Timothy "according to the prophecies which went before on thee." The apostle was reminding him of the prophecies made at the time he was ordained to the ministry (4:14). Let the Ephesians who underestimated Timothy beware. The sophisticated intellectuals and legalists in the church might casually regard him as a child, he was armed with impressive gifts and credentials.
Timothy was called by God to a specific place and for a specific purpose by the Spirit’s power. Paul was pinpointing his focus and called Timothy back to faithful and focused ministry. He had a job to do and he was to be focused on the work of Jesus Christ at Ephesus.
Paul's charge was committed to Timothy "according to the prophecies which went before on thee." The apostle was reminding him of the prophecies made at the time he was ordained to the ministry (4:14). Let the Ephesians who underestimated Timothy beware. The sophisticated intellectuals and legalists in the church might casually regard him as a child, he was armed with impressive gifts and credentials.
Timothy was called by God to a specific place and for a specific purpose by the Spirit’s power. Paul was pinpointing his focus and called Timothy back to faithful and focused ministry. He had a job to do and he was to be focused on the work of Jesus Christ at Ephesus.
Warren Wiersbe wrote, “God had called Timothy, equipped him, and put him into his place of ministry. Timothy’s job was not to run all over Ephesus, being involved in a multitude of tasks. His job was to care for the church by winning the lost, teaching the saved, and defending the faith. Any task that did not relate to these ministries would have to be abandoned.” Timothy was not called to be what the people wanted him to be, but he was called to be what God wanted him to be and what God called Him to do.
Warren Wiersbe wrote, “God had called Timothy, equipped him, and put him into his place of ministry. Timothy’s job was not to run all over Ephesus, being involved in a multitude of tasks. His job was to care for the church by winning the lost, teaching the saved, and defending the faith. Any task that did not relate to these ministries would have to be abandoned.” Timothy was not called to be what the people wanted him to be, but he was called to be what God wanted him to be and what God called Him to do.
II. There’s an Assignment for a Soldier
II. There’s an Assignment for a Soldier
18b......so that by them you may strongly engage in battle,
A frequent metaphor of Paul’s. He would have his young friend to be as loyal
A frequent metaphor of Paul’s. He would have his young friend to be as loyal
“unto his Captain Christ,
“unto his Captain Christ,
Under whose colours he had fought so long,”
Under whose colours he had fought so long,”
as he had been himself.
as he had been himself.
a. He was Commanded to Fight
a. He was Commanded to Fight
“That thou by them shouldest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience” (). The Christian life is a conflict, and ministers are standard-bearers and leaders, and must not only believe and preach the truth but defend it. Whoever falls or withdraws, he must press forward, though he should stand alone.
“That thou by them shouldest war a good warfare; holding faith, and a good conscience” (). The Christian life is a conflict, and ministers are standard-bearers and leaders, and must not only believe and preach the truth but defend it. Whoever falls or withdraws, he must press forward, though he should stand alone.
In the prophecies about Timothy he was gifted to be a servant of God and he was gifted to be a soldier for God. God had supplied Timothy with the arsenal, the equipment, the supplies, the battle plan, the wherewithal to fight the enemy. Timothy, like every Christian soldier is called to wage the good warfare.
In the prophecies about Timothy he was gifted to be a servant of God and he was gifted to be a soldier for God. God had supplied Timothy with the arsenal, the equipment, the supplies, the battle plan, the wherewithal to fight the enemy. Timothy, like every Christian soldier is called to wage the good warfare.
Wage or engage: (KJV: War) strateuomai, strat-yoo'-om-ahee; to serve in a military campaign; In the Epistles Paul drafted the originally secular term into the service of the gospel. He used it to describe the Christian’s life as a soldier with supreme allegiance to Jesus Christ who is engaged in divine warfare.
Wage or engage: (KJV: War) strateuomai, strat-yoo'-om-ahee; to serve in a military campaign; In the Epistles Paul drafted the originally secular term into the service of the gospel. He used it to describe the Christian’s life as a soldier with supreme allegiance to Jesus Christ who is engaged in divine warfare.
Timothy has been called on to wage the good warfare. We are in the fight of the ages.
Timothy has been called on to wage the good warfare. We are in the fight of the ages.
says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
says, “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”
Timothy was a soldier in the army of the Lord and he was to be waging war! Timothy fought in the spiritual warfare that is the war for man’s soul. It is a good warfare that must not be neglected, abandoned, or forsaken. Too many today who claim to know Jesus have abandoned their posts and gone AWOL.
Timothy was a soldier in the army of the Lord and he was to be waging war! Timothy fought in the spiritual warfare that is the war for man’s soul. It is a good warfare that must not be neglected, abandoned, or forsaken. Too many today who claim to know Jesus have abandoned their posts and gone AWOL.
b. He was Commissioned to a Fight
b. He was Commissioned to a Fight
The words “war” and “warfare” speaks of a lifelong campaign. This is not some skirmish or intense short battle. Paul is telling Timothy that this is a life long war!
The words “war” and “warfare” speaks of a lifelong campaign. This is not some skirmish or intense short battle. Paul is telling Timothy that this is a life long war!
Physical wars are deadly and dangerous, but the wars sooner or later end. Soldiers get to come home and later they get to retire. They are signed up for a certain amount of time and are obligated to the military during that time. Many soldiers make a career out of the military and they get to retire at a fairly early age. In the Lord’s army we are drafted in at the time of conversion and we are equipped for the battle and we are in His army for life. There is no early retirement, no short enlistment, no quitting. Christian’s are in the Lord’s army for life. Christian’s are in a continual state of warfare. We may not always be on the front line in the line of fire, but as the church we are still at war everyday of our lives.
Physical wars are deadly and dangerous, but the wars sooner or later end. Soldiers get to come home and later they get to retire. They are signed up for a certain amount of time and are obligated to the military during that time. Many soldiers make a career out of the military and they get to retire at a fairly early age. In the Lord’s army we are drafted in at the time of conversion and we are equipped for the battle and we are in His army for life. There is no early retirement, no short enlistment, no quitting. Christian’s are in the Lord’s army for life. Christian’s are in a continual state of warfare. We may not always be on the front line in the line of fire, but as the church we are still at war everyday of our lives.
As Paul exhorted Timothy to wage the good warfare, we too need to heed that exhortation. Paul tells Timothy to wage the good warfare with the weapons of faith and a good conscience.
As Paul exhorted Timothy to wage the good warfare, we too need to heed that exhortation. Paul tells Timothy to wage the good warfare with the weapons of faith and a good conscience.
III. There’s an Assault on the Shipwrecked
III. There’s an Assault on the Shipwrecked
Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that they may be taught not to blaspheme.
Life Application Bible Commentary - Life Application Bible Commentary – 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
Life Application Bible Commentary - Life Application Bible Commentary – 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.
George Brooks Preaching Commentary - – Expositions from the Book of First Timothy.
George Brooks Preaching Commentary - – Expositions from the Book of First Timothy.
The Jack Andrews Expository Studies - The Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding 1 Timothy.
The Jack Andrews Expository Studies - The Jack Andrews Expository Studies – Understanding 1 Timothy.
John Phillips Commentary Series, The - The John Phillips Commentary Series – Exploring the Pastoral Epistles: An Expository Commentary.
John Phillips Commentary Series, The - The John Phillips Commentary Series – Exploring the Pastoral Epistles: An Expository Commentary.
Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, The - The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary – Pi-Rho.
Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary, The - The Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary – Pi-Rho.