1 Timothy 1:18-20 says,...
Today's verses are 1 Timothy 1:18-20, which read,
v.18, 19 - This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
Paul gave Timothy his transformation testimony last study as an example of what God can do with those who are against Him to be for Him. Now Paul gives an official commissioning of Timothy to the work that is ahead of him. Timothy has had others who have confirmed his call to fill this position of pastor/missionary with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These confirmations were to be leaned upon to fight the good fight, keeping faith and good conscience. Other Christian brothers and sisters giving God directed insight into Timothy's life was essential for his continual walk of faith and the use of his spiritual gifts in the right manner for the body of Christ.
This focus on the wisdom of godly brothers and sisters who know us speaking to us of our spiritual lives and the focus of keeping on mission of the Great Commission with the right heart and mind protect us from listening to Satan's lies. Satan wants us to reject what we know and when we do it is like a shipwreck to our faith. Usually a shipwreck involves storms, being blown off course and then up on the rocks that you would normally steer clear of. Our faith can get in this state if we don't use the tools that God has given us through His Word and His faithful family that He has put around us.
The input of other brothers and sisters in Christ is important to our growth in the walk with the Lord. Do we seek this out for ourselves? Do we give this out to others? Do we look for opportunities to encourage another brother or sister in the Lord in that manner of addressing their faith in Christ? Are we asking for spiritual insight of trusted brothers and sisters in Christ about matters in our own lives about our spiritual blind spots? Our interaction with God's family is crucial to keep the ship on course and off the rocks.
v.20 - Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, who I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul names some more names as examples. Here are two who have heard the gospel but have followed the ways of the false teachers. These men were put out of the church, handed over to Satan, by Paul for a purpose. The first obvious one would be to protect the rest of the flock from their teaching. Another would be for them to experience separation from God words and ways by being separate from His people physically. In this prodigal son state, away from the Father and living a life contrary to God's direction, Paul is praying that they would come to their senses about the blasphemes about God that they were making.
Paul is saying to his spiritual son Timothy that you don't want to go that route. Keep strong in the faith that has been confirmed by others. Keep your ship on course by acting out that faith with genuineness of heart and mind so your conscience is clear. Let's pray.
"Lord, thank You for the brothers and sisters in Christ You have put around me. May I realize that they are put there by You for my benefit to grow in my walk with You. Help me to realize that I am put by You in other Christian's lives to help them grow in their walk. Increase my language with Your family to encourage that steady walk in the faith and may I receive what I need to hear from others today. Amen."
Pastor Adam
v.18, 19 - This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.
Paul gave Timothy his transformation testimony last study as an example of what God can do with those who are against Him to be for Him. Now Paul gives an official commissioning of Timothy to the work that is ahead of him. Timothy has had others who have confirmed his call to fill this position of pastor/missionary with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
These confirmations were to be leaned upon to fight the good fight, keeping faith and good conscience. Other Christian brothers and sisters giving God directed insight into Timothy's life was essential for his continual walk of faith and the use of his spiritual gifts in the right manner for the body of Christ.
This focus on the wisdom of godly brothers and sisters who know us speaking to us of our spiritual lives and the focus of keeping on mission of the Great Commission with the right heart and mind protect us from listening to Satan's lies. Satan wants us to reject what we know and when we do it is like a shipwreck to our faith. Usually a shipwreck involves storms, being blown off course and then up on the rocks that you would normally steer clear of. Our faith can get in this state if we don't use the tools that God has given us through His Word and His faithful family that He has put around us.
The input of other brothers and sisters in Christ is important to our growth in the walk with the Lord. Do we seek this out for ourselves? Do we give this out to others? Do we look for opportunities to encourage another brother or sister in the Lord in that manner of addressing their faith in Christ? Are we asking for spiritual insight of trusted brothers and sisters in Christ about matters in our own lives about our spiritual blind spots? Our interaction with God's family is crucial to keep the ship on course and off the rocks.
v.20 - Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, who I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.
Paul names some more names as examples. Here are two who have heard the gospel but have followed the ways of the false teachers. These men were put out of the church, handed over to Satan, by Paul for a purpose. The first obvious one would be to protect the rest of the flock from their teaching. Another would be for them to experience separation from God words and ways by being separate from His people physically. In this prodigal son state, away from the Father and living a life contrary to God's direction, Paul is praying that they would come to their senses about the blasphemes about God that they were making.
Paul is saying to his spiritual son Timothy that you don't want to go that route. Keep strong in the faith that has been confirmed by others. Keep your ship on course by acting out that faith with genuineness of heart and mind so your conscience is clear. Let's pray.
"Lord, thank You for the brothers and sisters in Christ You have put around me. May I realize that they are put there by You for my benefit to grow in my walk with You. Help me to realize that I am put by You in other Christian's lives to help them grow in their walk. Increase my language with Your family to encourage that steady walk in the faith and may I receive what I need to hear from others today. Amen."
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