I urge, then…
Summary: The first three words of chapter two require that we stitch together the threads of Paul’s letter so far so that we can see the whole tapestry.
A lot is going on in this passage, and we will examine several parts of it in detail. For now, let’s look at the first three words, “I urge, then…”
“Then” in this context points backward to the last thought Paul shared. This most likely points us to verses 18-20 in Chapter One.
The “command” Paul refers to in verse eighteen goes clear back to verse three. He writes that Timothy should “command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1 Timothy 1:3).
Now, back to verses 18–20:
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command … fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander….”
Paul is speaking about people Timothy knows well. (We know that because he doesn’t have to explain who they are.) In his second letter to Timothy, Paul mentions Hymenaeus again. He writes:
“Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:17-18)
We don’t know much about Alexander except for a reference to an “Alexander the metalworker” (2 Timothy 4:15). Both men apparently had influence in the community and were teaching people things that could “destroy the faith of some.”
What do you do with such people?
The first thing Paul tells Timothy is to publicly command them “not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1 Timothy 1:3).
What then?
We have already discussed Paul’s teaching that “… our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
So how do we fight against the “spiritual forces of evil?”
This is where the rest of Paul’s sentence comes in. He urges us to fight, not with fists or anger or violence, but with “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Application: Practice spiritual combat by praying for all people.
Food for Thought: How does fighting by praying for our enemies help us hold on to “faith and a good conscience?” (1 Timothy 1:19)
How does fighting by praying for our enemies help us hold on to “faith and a good conscience?”
Praying for our enemies helps us hold on to “faith and a good conscience” because we recognize the needs of our enemy, and express mercy towards them by praying to God on their behalf. In humility we ask in faith for God to intercede in the life of someone who shows animosity toward us. Jesus told us that our faith can move mountains, and it is one thing to ask for a mountain to be moved in the life of someone we perceive to be benign, it is another entirely to do so for someone we perceive to be hostile. This is the love of God within us in action. It is placing others above ourselves.
Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
As followers of Christ, we want our enemies to come to repentance before God. We want all people to be reconciled to Him. We place this above the intricacies of human relationships.
Romans 12:17-21
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
2 Peter 3:9
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Thank you, Chris!
“… the needs of our enemy…” is an interesting phrase. It points us to the fact that our “enemies” are really victims of the real enemy.
How does fighting by praying for our enemies help us hold on to “faith and a good conscience?” (1 Timothy 1:19)
We look to Jesus who prayed for the salvation for all mankind as we were nailing Him to the Cross.
Luke 23:34, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
As Christians, we have at some point in life, by faith, received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, and remain on earth for what? In the Bible, God teaches, our primary purpose is to die to self and allow Jesus Christ to live and be seen in all we say and do.
Believers are each sons and daughters of God, privileged and given the freedom to approach our Father in prayer, anytime, day or night. Free to speak with Him about anything we choose, knowing He will respond according to His will.
1 John 5:14, And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.
Our prayers are an act of faith, and Gods response will always be according to His perfect will. Our peace comes as we know we have taken our concerns to God who will, in His timing, act according to His perfect will.
Thank you, Ron.
Well said! Prayers … faith … God’s will … all blend into one.
Good comments as usual. Thank you for the study and comments.
🙂