1 Timothy 1:19
holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.
holding on to
The phrase "holding on to" suggests a firm grasp or retention of something valuable. In the Greek, the word used is "echo," which means to have or to hold. This implies an active, continuous effort to maintain possession. In the context of faith, it suggests a vigilant and deliberate effort to preserve one's belief and trust in God. Historically, this reflects the early Christian community's struggle to maintain their faith amidst persecution and false teachings.

faith
The Greek word for "faith" is "pistis," which encompasses belief, trust, and confidence. In the New Testament, faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep-seated trust in God and His promises. This faith is foundational to the Christian life, as it is through faith that believers are justified and live out their relationship with God. The historical context of the early church, facing external pressures and internal heresies, underscores the necessity of a robust and unwavering faith.

and a good conscience
The term "conscience" in Greek is "suneidēsis," referring to an inner sense of right and wrong. A "good conscience" implies a moral integrity and alignment with God's standards. In the early church, maintaining a good conscience was crucial for leaders and believers alike, as it reflected their sincerity and authenticity in following Christ. The conscience acts as a guide, helping believers discern God's will and live in a manner that honors Him.

By rejecting these
The phrase "By rejecting these" indicates a deliberate choice to abandon or dismiss something. The Greek word "apōtheō" means to push away or repudiate. This rejection is not passive but an active decision to turn away from the faith and good conscience that are essential to the Christian life. Historically, this reflects the reality of apostasy in the early church, where some individuals chose to abandon their faith due to various pressures or temptations.

some have shipwrecked their faith
The imagery of "shipwrecked" is vivid and powerful, suggesting total ruin or destruction. The Greek word "nauageō" is used, which literally means to suffer shipwreck. This metaphor conveys the idea of a complete collapse or failure in one's spiritual journey. In the historical context, shipwrecks were common and often catastrophic, symbolizing the severe consequences of abandoning faith and a good conscience. The early church would have understood this as a warning against the dangers of straying from the truth and the importance of perseverance in the faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, entrusted with the leadership of the church in Ephesus.

3. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was stationed, known for its diverse culture and challenges to Christian teaching.

4. Hymenaeus and Alexander
Individuals mentioned later in the chapter as examples of those who have "shipwrecked their faith."

5. The Church
The broader body of believers who are the recipients of Paul's teachings through Timothy.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Faith and Conscience
Faith and a good conscience are foundational to a stable Christian life. Without them, believers risk spiritual shipwreck.

The Danger of Rejection
Rejecting a good conscience can lead to a compromised faith. Vigilance is necessary to guard against influences that can erode these pillars.

Maintaining Integrity
Upholding a good conscience involves aligning actions with beliefs. This integrity is crucial for effective witness and personal spiritual health.

Consequences of Shipwrecked Faith
The imagery of shipwreck highlights the severe consequences of neglecting faith and conscience. It serves as a warning to remain steadfast.

Role of Community
The church community plays a vital role in encouraging and holding one another accountable to maintain faith and a good conscience.
Bible Study Questions
1. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are "holding on to faith and a good conscience" in your daily life?

2. How can the examples of Hymenaeus and Alexander serve as warnings for us today?

3. In what ways can the church community support individuals in maintaining a good conscience?

4. How does maintaining a good conscience impact your relationship with God and others?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt your faith was being "shipwrecked." What helped you to regain stability, and how can you apply those lessons now?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Timothy 1:5
This verse emphasizes love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith, which aligns with the call to hold onto faith and a good conscience.

1 Timothy 3:9
Discusses the importance of holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience, reinforcing the theme of maintaining integrity in belief and practice.

Hebrews 10:22
Encourages believers to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith, highlighting the importance of a good conscience.

James 1:6-8
Warns against being double-minded and unstable, which can lead to a shipwrecked faith.

Acts 24:16
Paul speaks of striving to maintain a clear conscience before God and man, underscoring the importance of conscience in the Christian life.
A Good ConscienceJ. H. Wilson, M. A.1 Timothy 1:19
A Good ConscienceJ. H. Wilson, M. A.1 Timothy 1:19
Faith and a Good ConscienceW. Arnot.1 Timothy 1:19
Faith the Cabinet of ConscienceT. Seeker.1 Timothy 1:19
Good Conscience a Man's Longest FriendJ. Spencer.1 Timothy 1:19
Human WreckageR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 1:19
Making Shipwreck of the SoulJ. T. Davidson, D. D.1 Timothy 1:19
ShipwrecksR. A. Davies.1 Timothy 1:19
The Great ShipwreckJ. Wells.1 Timothy 1:19
Wrecked Through Losing a Good ConscienceT. De Witt Talmage.1 Timothy 1:19
Recurrence to TimothyR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 1:18-20
The Solemn Charge to TimothyT. Croskery 1 Timothy 1:18-20
People
Alexander, Hymenaeus, Paul, Sodomites, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Ephesus, Macedonia
Topics
Aside, Cast, Clear, Conscience, Conscious, Faith, Fast, Holding, Keeping, Maintaining, Persons, Regard, Rejected, Rejecting, Relation, Shipwreck, Shipwrecked, Suffered, Thrust, Well-doing, Wrong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Timothy 1:19

     5009   conscience, nature of
     5517   seafaring
     8742   faithlessness

1 Timothy 1:18-19

     5033   knowledge, of good and evil
     6746   sanctification, means and results
     8110   athletics
     8482   spiritual warfare

1 Timothy 1:18-20

     8237   doctrine, false
     8743   faithlessness, nature of

1 Timothy 1:19-20

     8706   apostasy, warnings

Library
'The Gospel of the Glory of the Happy God'
'The glorious gospel of the blessed God.'--1 TIM. i. 11. Two remarks of an expository character will prepare the way for our consideration of this text. The first is, that the proper rendering is that which is given in the Revised Version--'the gospel of the glory,' not the 'glorious gospel.' The Apostle is not telling us what kind of thing the Gospel is, but what it is about. He is dealing not with its quality, but with its contents. It is a Gospel which reveals, has to do with, is the manifestation
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Gospel in Small
'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.'--1 TIM. i. 15. Condensation is a difficult art. There are few things drier and more unsatisfactory than small books on great subjects, abbreviated statements of large systems. Error lurks in summaries, and yet here the whole fulness of God's communication to men is gathered into a sentence; tiny as a diamond, and flashing like it. My text is the one precious drop of essence, distilled
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chief of Sinners
'Of whom I am chief.'--1 TIM. i. 15. The less teachers of religion talk about themselves the better; and yet there is a kind of personal reference, far removed from egotism and offensiveness. Few such men have ever spoken more of themselves than Paul did, and yet none have been truer to his motto: 'We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus.' For the scope of almost all his personal references is the depreciation of self, and the magnifying of the wonderful mercy which drew him to Jesus Christ. Whenever
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

A Test Case
'Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe.'--1 TIM. i. 16. The smallest of God's creatures, if it were only a gnat dancing in a sunbeam, has a right to have its well-being considered as an end of God's dealings. But no creature is so isolated or great as that it has a right to have its well-being regarded as the sole end of God's dealings. That is true about all His blessings and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Glory of the King
'Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.'--1 TIM. i. 17. With this burst of irrepressible praise the Apostle ends his reference to his own conversion as a transcendent, standing instance of the infinite love and transforming power of God. Similar doxologies accompany almost all his references to the same fact. This one comes from the lips of 'Paul the aged,' looking back from almost the close of a life which owed many sorrows
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

St. Paul's Wish to be Accursed from Christ.
"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." Few characters more remarkable than that of St. Paul, are to be found in history. He is introduced to our acquaintance on a tragical occasion--the martyrdom of Stephen, where he appears an accomplice with murderers--"he was standing by and consenting to his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him." The circumstances of Paul's conversion to Christianity were very remarkable, and
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Lawful and Unlawful Use of Law.
Preached June 27, 1852. THE LAWFUL AND UNLAWFUL USE OF LAW. (A FRAGMENT.) "But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully."--1 Tim. i. 8. It is scarcely ever possible to understand a passage without some acquaintance with the history of the circumstances under which it was written. At Ephesus, over which Timothy was bishop, people had been bewildered by the teaching of converted Jews, who mixed the old leaven of Judaism with the new spirituality of Christianity. They maintained the
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Glorious Gospel
Our text is one that pride would never prompt a man to select. It is quite impossible to flourish about it, it is so simple. Human nature is apt to cry, "Well I cannot preach upon that text--it is too plain; there is no mystery in it; I cannot show my learning: it is just a plain, common-sense announcement--I scarcely would wish to take it, for it lowers the man, however much it may exalt the Master." So, expect nothing but the text from me this morning, and the simplest possible explanation of it.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart, and a Good Conscience, and Faith Unfeigned. "
[It is extremely probable that this was one of the probationary discourses which the author delivered before the Presbytery of Glasgow, previous to his ordination. The following is an extract from the Record of that Presbytery: "Dec. 5, 1649. The qlk daye Mr. Hew Binnen made his popular sermon 1 Tim. i. ver. 5 'The end of ye commandment is charity.'--Ordaines Mr. Hew Binnen to handle his controversie this day fifteen dayes, De satisfactione Christi."--Ed.] 1 Tim. ii. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Thoughts Upon the Imitation of Christ.
IF we seriously consider with our selves that Wonder of all Wonders, that Mystery of all Mysteries, the Incarnation of the Son of God, it may justly strike us into Astonishment, and an Admiration what should be the reason and the end of it; why the great and glorious, the almighty and eternal God, should take our weak and finite Nature into his infinite and incomprehensible Person; why the Creator of all things should himself become a Creature; and he that made the World be himself made into it;
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Communion of Gifts.
"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."--1 Tim. i. 5. Communion of goods in Jerusalem was a symbol. It typified the communion of the spiritual goods which constituted the real treasure of Jerusalem's saints. The other inhabitants of that city possessed houses, fields, furniture, gold, and silver just as well as the saints, and perhaps in greater abundance. But the latter were to receive riches which neither Jew, Roman, nor
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Humility is the Root of Charity, and Meekness the Fruit of Both. ...
Humility is the root of charity, and meekness the fruit of both. There is no solid and pure ground of love to others, except the rubbish of self-love be first cast out of the soul; and when that superfluity of naughtiness is cast out, then charity hath a solid and deep foundation: "The end of the command is charity out of a pure heart," 1 Tim. i. 5. It is only such a purified heart, cleansed from that poison and contagion of pride and self-estimation, that can send out such a sweet and wholesome
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Lies are Many Sorts, which Indeed All...
4. Of lies are many sorts, which indeed all, universally, we ought to hate. For there is no lie that is not contrary to truth. For, as light and darkness, piety and impiety, justice and iniquity, sin and right-doing, health and weakness, life and death, so are truth and a lie contrary the one to the other. Whence by how much we love the former, by so much ought we to hate the latter. Yet in truth there be some lies which to believe does no harm: although even by such sort of lie to wish to deceive,
St. Augustine—Against Lying

The Joy that was Set Before Him
T. P. I Tim. i. 15 From the palace of His glory, From the radiance and the rest, Came the Son of God to seek me, Bear me home upon His breast. There from that eternal brightness Did His thoughts flow forth to me-- He in His great love would have me Ever there with Him to be. Far away, undone, forsaken, Not for Him my heart was sore; But for need and bitter hunger-- Christ desired I nevermore. Could it be that in the glory, Ere of Him I had a thought, He was yearning o'er the lost one, Whom His
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

But Regard the Troops of virgins, Holy Boys and Girls...
37. But regard the troops of virgins, holy boys and girls: this kind hath been trained up in Thy Church: there for Thee it hath been budding from its mother's breasts; for Thy Name it hath loosed its tongue to speak, Thy Name, as through the milk of its infancy, it hath had poured in and hath sucked, no one of this number can say, "I, who before was a blasphemer, and persecutor, and injurious, but I obtained mercy, in that I did in being ignorant, in unbelief." [2130] Yea more, that, which Thou commandedst
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
PHILIPPIANS iii. 17-21 The problem of the body--Cautions and tears--"That blessed hope"--The duty of warning--The moral power of the hope--The hope full of immortality--My mother's life--"He is able"--The promise of his coming The Apostle draws to the close of his appeal for a true and watchful fidelity to the Gospel. He has done with his warning against Judaistic legalism. He has expounded, in the form of a personal confession and testimony, the true Christian position, the acceptance of the
Handley C. G. Moule—Philippian Studies

Epistle iii. To Constantius, Bishop.
To Constantius, Bishop. Gregory to Constantius, Bishop of Mediolanum. It has come to my knowledge that certain bishops of your diocese, seeking out rather than finding an occasion, have attempted to sever themselves from the unity of your Fraternity, saying that thou hadst given a security [1524] at the Roman city for thy condemnation of the three Chapters. And the fact is that they say this because they do not know how I am accustomed to trust thy Fraternity even without security. For if there
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace.
Concerning Perseverance, and the Possibility of Falling from Grace. Although this gift and inward grace of God be sufficient to work out salvation, yet in those in whom it is resisted, it both may and doth become their condemnation. Moreover, they in whose hearts it hath wrought in part to purify and sanctify them in order to their further perfection, may, by disobedience, fall from it, turn it to wantonness, Jude iv. make shipwreck of faith, 1 Tim. i. 19. and after having tasted the heavenly gift,
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
"Go and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth."--ACTS ix. 11. "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."--1 TIM. i. 16. God took His own Son, and made Him our Example and our Pattern. It sometimes is as if the power of Christ's example is lost in the thought that He, in whom is no sin, is not man as we are. Our Lord took Paul, a man
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? Saith the Lord,"
Isaiah i. 11.--"To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the Lord," &c. This is the word he calls them to hear and a strange word. Isaiah asks, What mean your sacrifices? God will not have them. I think the people would say in their own hearts, What means the prophet? What would the Lord be at? Do we anything but what he commanded us? Is he angry at us for obeying him? What means this word? Is he not repealing the statute and ordinance he had made in Israel? If he had reproved
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Addresses on Holiness,
IN EXETER HALL. FIRST ADDRESS. I think it must be self-evident to everyone present that it is the most important question that can possibly occupy the mind of man--how much like God we can be--how near to God we can come on earth preparatory to our being perfectly like Him, and living, as it were, in His very heart for ever and ever in Heaven. Anyone who has any measure of the Spirit of God, must perceive that this is the most important question on which we can concentrate our thoughts; and the
Catherine Booth—Godliness

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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