October 5, 2022

1 Timothy 1:18-20 (HCSB)
Engage in Battle
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.

Casey Morton
 Apparently, others had spoken to Timothy through the gift of prophecy. Paul is encouraging him to remember the words of encouragement as he wages the good warfare or “fights the good fight.” He mentions two essential tools needed to do so: faith and a good conscience. Timothy had to have faith that God was in charge and knew what was best for him and that He would guide and lead him. He also had to have a “good conscience” because enemies would be questioning/challenging his work for God. He is to live and conduct himself rightly, so as to be prepared for the attacks of the enemy. When the enemy comes to attack you, and trust me he will, what will be said of your faith and conscience?