Wage the Good Warfare

Introduction:

Paul's great concern for the congregation of the Lord's church is very apparent in these 3 verses. He knew there were some in the church at ephesus who had strayed from the truth and might influence others to do the same. He places responsibility upon Timothy to hold fast to the doctrine which taught men to put their trust in Christ.

Text: 1 Timothy 1: 18-20

body:

1.       Christians are engaged in battle (verse 18 )

This charge- command- instruction is being “Committed” to Timothy. This was “according to” or “in keeping with" prophecies that had been made concerning Timothy. No information as to the prophet or particular message is contained in these prophecies. Paul is telling Timothy he should take this instruction seriously because he had not been made an evangelist by the whim of man, but rather and came about by the will of God, expressed through inspired prophecies. This seems to be about his usefulness in the Kingdom. Later on we learned this in 1 Timothy 4: 14 and 2 Timothy 1:6.

Timothy had received a spiritual gift (likely miraculous) to help him carry out his work as a preacher. This gift came through the apostle Paul who had this power. On this occasion, elders laid hands on him to show their approval.

The reference by Paul to these prophecies was to encourage Timothy to “wage the good warfare.”

Even though Timothy possessed this spiritual gift, it was still necessary for him to fight the good fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6: 12, 2 Timothy 2: 3-4).  Christians today are to be engaged in a spiritual war. We must use everything at our disposal to gain the victory (Ephesians 6: 10-13)

2.       Christians must hold fast to faith and a good conscience (verses 19)

It was imperative that Timothy cling strongly to his faith. This was necessary to please God (Hebrews 11: 6 ) and to be saved from sin (John 8: 24 ). If Timothy gives up his faith, he will lose everything of eternal value. Recall that faith comes by learning God's word (Romans 10: 17 ). Our trust in God requires us to be faithful (Hebrews 10: 35- 39 ).

We must hold tightly to a good conscience. Conscience is the faculty within man that demands that he should do what he believes to be right (Lipscomb). The conscience operates on the basis of what it believes to be true. If what we accept what is not really truth, our conscience will approve our actions, even though what we are doing is sinful. This was true of Paul before being converted (acts 26: 9. Note that many sincere people today in the religious world do not violate their conscience when they believe they are saved when all they do is profess their faith in Christ what is the reason? They believe that is the truth even though it is not. A conscious not based upon the truth of God's word is a very dangerous thing.

3.       Christians can make shipwreck of their faith (verses 19-20)

“the faith" – “the gospel” – “the doctrine”.  Some in the church at Ephesus had turned away from the doctrine of Christ and had made shipwreck of the faith. They were destroying themselves and those who followed their false teaching by not preaching the entire gospel or by changing it in any way. They were destroying the blessings that are available by obeying it (2 peter 2: 1- 2 )

(Verse 20)-Paul identifies 2 of the men he has in mind. Read 2 Timothy 2: 17-18. “Delivered to Satan” – (1 Corinthians 5: 1, 4-5).

This disciplinary action was necessary and had its purpose to get these two men to repent- to save their souls. Christians can make shipwreck of the faith.

Conclusion – invitation

Are there Christians here today who need to repent and who have strayed from the doctrine of Christ? Maybe you have been teaching others wrongly; trying to influence them to follow teaching is not found in God's word. This could destroy both you and them! Think about this very seriously!

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

December 15, 2024

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
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P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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