1 Timothy 1:19
Verse
Context
God’s Grace to Paul
18Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,19holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding faith - All the truths of the Christian religion, firmly believing them, and fervently proclaiming them to others. And a good conscience - So holding the truth as to live according to its dictates, that a good conscience may be ever preserved. As the apostle had just spoken of the Christian's warfare, so he here refers to the Christian armor, especially to the shield and breastplate; the shield of faith, and the breastplate of righteousness. See on Eph 6:13, etc., (note), and Th1 5:8 (note). Which some having put away - Απωσαμενοι· Having thrust away; as a fool-hardy soldier might his shield and his breastplate, or a mad sailor his pilot, helm, and compass. Concerning faith - The great truths of the Christian religion. Have made shipwreck - Being without the faith, that only infallible system of truth; and a good conscience, that skillful pilot, that steady and commanding helm, that faithful and invariable loadstone; have been driven to and fro by every wind of doctrine, and, getting among shoals, quicksands, and rocks, have been shipwrecked and ingulfed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Holding--Keeping hold of "faith" and "good conscience" (Ti1 1:5); not "putting the latter away" as "some." Faith is like a very precious liquor; a good conscience is the clean, pure glass that contains it [BENGEL]. The loss of good conscience entails the shipwreck of faith. Consciousness of sin (unrepented of and forgiven) kills the germ of faith in man [WIESINGER]. which--Greek singular, namely, "good conscience," not "faith" also; however, the result of putting away good conscience is, one loses faith also. put away--a wilful act. They thrust it from them as a troublesome monitor. It reluctantly withdraws, extruded by force, when its owner is tired of its importunity, and is resolved to retain his sin at the cost of losing it. One cannot be on friendly terms with it and with sin at one and the same time. made shipwreck--"with respect to THE faith." Faith is the vessel in which they had professedly embarked, of which "good conscience" is the anchor. The ancient Church often used this image, comparing the course of faith to navigation. The Greek does not imply that one having once had faith makes shipwreck of it, but that they who put away good conscience "make shipwreck with respect to THE faith."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding faith, and a good conscience..... By "faith" is meant, not the grace of faith, but the doctrine of faith, a sense in which it is often used in this epistle; see Ti1 3:9 and the "holding" of it does not intend a mere profession of it, and a retaining of that without wavering, which is to be done by all believers; but a holding it forth in the ministry of the word, in opposition to a concealing or dropping it, or any part of it; and a holding it fast, without wavering, and in opposition to a departure from it or any cowardice about it and against all posers: to which must be added, a good conscience; the conscience is not naturally good, but is defiled by sin; and that is only good, which is sprinkled by the blood of Christ, and thereby purged from dead works; the effect of which is an holy, upright, and becoming conversation; and which seems to be chiefly intended here, and particularly the upright conduct and behaviour of the ministers of the Gospel, in the faithful discharge of their work and office: see Co2 1:12. Which some having put away; that is, a good conscience; and which does not suppose that they once had one, since that may be put away which was never had: the Jews, who blasphemed and contradicted, and never received the word of God, are said to put it from them, Act 13:46 where the same word is used as here; and signifies to refuse or reject anything with detestation and contempt: these men always had an abhorrence to a good conscience among men, and to a good life and conversation, the evidence of it; and at length threw off the mask, and dropped the faith they professed, as being contrary to their evil conscience: though admitting it does suppose they once had a good conscience, it must be understood not of a conscience cleansed by the blood of Christ, but of a good conscience in external show only, or in comparison of what they afterwards appeared to have: and, besides, some men, destitute of the grace of God, may have a good conscience in some sense, or with respect to some particular facts, or to their general conduct and behaviour among men, as the Apostle Paul had while unregenerate, Act 23:1 and which being acted against, or lost, is no instance of falling from the true grace of God, which this passage is sometimes produced in proof of: concerning faith have made shipwreck; which designs not the grace, but the doctrine of faith, as before observed, which men may profess, and fall off from, and entirely drop and lose. Though supposing faith as a grace is meant, the phrase, "have made shipwreck of it", is not strong enough to prove the total and final falling away of true believers, could such be thought to be here meant; since persons may be shipwrecked, and not lost, the Apostle Paul was thrice shipwrecked, and each time saved; besides, as there is a true and unfeigned, so there is a feigned and counterfeit faith, which may be in persons who have no true grace, and may be shipwrecked, so as to be lost.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 See also 1:5-6; 6:20-21; 2 Tim 2:15-18. Conscience is viewed as a kind of gyroscope; keeping your conscience clear (or good) means ensuring that it is not destroyed (see study note on 1 Tim 4:2).
1 Timothy 1:19
God’s Grace to Paul
18Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,19holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and thereby shipwrecked their faith.20Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Alert for the Lord's Return
By Zac Poonen3.1K57:47Second ComingMAT 6:191TI 1:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a focused and spiritually alert life. He warns against allowing our hearts to be weighed down by worldly distractions such as excessive television and movies. The speaker encourages believers to be ready for the return of Jesus and to not let their hearts be intoxicated with worldly pleasures. He reminds listeners that Jesus himself faced immense pressure but found true relaxation and joy in the presence of God, and encourages them to prioritize doing God's will in their lives.
Total Dependence on God
By Zac Poonen2.9K58:39DependenceMAT 6:33ROM 10:17EPH 2:81TI 1:19HEB 11:6JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a good conscience as a mark of true faith. He compares the cooperation of different parts of the human body to the need for total dependence on God in order to have harmony and unity among believers. The preacher warns against being influenced by worldly and materialistic teachings, urging Christians to be discerning and to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly desires. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be quick to confess their mistakes and seek forgiveness, as this is a sign of true faith.
Keeping a Good Conscience
By Zac Poonen2.4K49:13ConsciencePSA 1:2JER 15:191TI 1:192TI 4:21PE 3:15REV 3:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping a sensitive conscience and living a life that honors Christ. He encourages believers to always be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. The speaker acknowledges his own failures and emphasizes the need for repentance and mourning over sin. He also highlights the importance of faithfulness in all areas of life, including words, money, and relationships. The sermon concludes with a reminder to hold fast to what one has and to strive for perfection in Christlikeness.
Total Dependence Upon God
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:39HAB 2:4MRK 9:24JHN 15:52CO 12:92CO 13:3PHP 1:91TI 1:191JN 2:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and faith. It discusses the dangers of relying on human wisdom, the significance of discerning spirits, and the power that comes through weakness and reliance on God's strength. The speaker uses biblical examples like Abraham, Paul's thorn in the flesh, and Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate the concept of living by faith and total dependence on God.
Representing Christ
By Bill McLeod1.3K53:38WitnessMAT 6:33JHN 14:26JHN 17:26COL 3:161TI 1:191TI 4:162TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians being rooted and grounded in the word of God. He shares a story about a family tragedy and highlights the need for Christians to be strong and steadfast in their faith. The speaker also mentions a man named John who had multiple encounters with God and experienced transformation in his life. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the goal of Christian instruction is to cultivate love in believers, just as Jesus desired for his disciples.
Studies in 1 Timothy-05 1 Timothy-5
By William MacDonald1.2K38:37DEU 25:4LUK 10:71TI 5:23The sermon transcript discusses various instructions given by Paul to Timothy on how to behave towards different classes in the Christian family. It begins by addressing the old and young, male and female, emphasizing the importance of showing honor and respect. The transcript then moves on to discussing the care and support of widows, highlighting the responsibility of the church in providing for them. It also touches on the role of elders in the church, emphasizing the need for financial care, caution in appointing men, and the importance of having multiple witnesses in cases of accusation. Overall, the transcript emphasizes the practical advice given by Paul to Timothy for the care of believers in the Christian assembly.
Lest After I Have Preached to Others I Should Be a Castaway
By Keith Daniel8521:18:29MAT 7:21ROM 12:1EPH 4:14EPH 4:27COL 2:71TI 1:61TI 1:19HEB 12:151PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of total surrender to God, warning against the dangers of hidden sins, idols, and compromise in the lives of preachers and Christians. It calls for a deep dedication to God, a commitment to daily meditation on His Word, and a vigilant guarding against moral and doctrinal compromise. The speaker urges listeners to steer their roots back to God's Word, good literature, and sound sermons, highlighting the need for a renewed devotion to Christ and a rejection of worldly distractions.
Worship and Lord's Table - Part 6
By Bakht Singh85021:58CommunionPSA 44:4PSA 145:13DAN 2:44MAT 6:331CO 11:261TI 1:19REV 21:27In this sermon delivered by Lord Sarvant, the message focuses on the importance of examining ourselves and searching our hearts as we begin a new year. The Lord's table, symbolized by the bread and cup, is ordained by Jesus Christ to keep us pure and ready for His second coming. The sermon references Psalm 145:13 and Daniel's prophecy of the rise and fall of great world kingdoms. The overall message emphasizes the need to be wise, stand for God with a good conscience, and be prepared for the day of glory when Jesus returns.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
By Steve Gallagher72058:16HAB 2:4ROM 10:172CO 13:5EPH 2:81TI 1:191TI 4:11TI 5:81TI 6:101TI 6:21HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith as a decision and a lifestyle, urging believers to live in the reality of God's kingdom and deepen their conviction in His character. It highlights the need to strengthen and deepen faith through trials and challenges, showcasing faith as a life of making decisions and reflecting what one truly believes. The speaker encourages a strong connection with God and living a life that pleases Him, emphasizing the significance of evidence of true saving faith.
Lest I Should Be a Castaway
By Keith Daniel5341:15:42PSA 1:1PSA 119:37ECC 10:1MAT 25:23ROM 12:11CO 9:25EPH 4:141TI 1:192TI 1:13TIT 2:7HEB 12:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and the need for protection against spiritual attacks. It warns against distractions and diversions that can lead to a fall, urging listeners to dedicate themselves fully to God and His Word. The speaker highlights the dangers of moral and doctrinal shipwrecks, urging vigilance and a return to sound doctrine and spiritual grounding.
A Letter From a Friend in America
By Job Scott0JHN 11:42ACT 15:24ACT 25:71TI 1:192TI 2:142TI 2:16TIT 3:9In this sermon, the preacher delves into the meaning of 'periistemi', which signifies standing around or being a bystander, but figuratively means to turn oneself about to avoid something. Paul instructs Titus and other church leaders to steer clear of foolish, unprofitable speculations that can corrupt the church and hinder the credibility of the gospel. The command to 'periistemi' is a call to continually shun worldly chatter and false teachings, reflecting a deliberate and habitual avoidance of such influences. The preacher emphasizes the importance of believers, like Titus, to distance themselves from controversies, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law, focusing instead on maintaining good works and avoiding unprofitable arguments.
I Wish Above All Things That Thou Mayest Prosper
By A.B. Simpson0RighteousnessHealingEXO 15:26PRO 12:281TI 1:191PE 3:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being right with God as the foundation for healing and prosperity. He asserts that living righteously protects us from harm and strengthens our faith against the devil's attacks. Simpson references biblical truths that affirm the connection between righteousness and divine healing, urging believers to maintain a good conscience and heed God's voice. He challenges the congregation to introspect and ensure their relationship with God is aligned, as this is crucial for experiencing His blessings. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to righteousness as the pathway to life and health.
The Fight of Faith
By H.J. Vine01CO 16:13EPH 4:13COL 1:232TH 2:101TI 1:191TI 6:101TI 6:12JUD 1:3JUD 1:20H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of standing firm in the faith amidst the challenges of modern theology and the rise of new ideologies, emphasizing the need to hold on to the timeless truths revealed by God and expressed in the Scriptures. He highlights the significance of abiding in the faith once given, rooted in God's perfect revelation, and warns against the subtle workings of unbelief and apostasy. Vine encourages believers to be vigilant, strong, and considerate towards one another, focusing on being established in the faith and walking in the truth according to piety. He concludes by urging believers to earnestly contend for the faith, maintaining its purity and awaiting the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
God's Preacher in the Heart
By Thomas Brooks0Sin and AssuranceConsciencePSA 66:18PRO 28:13ISA 59:2ACT 24:16ROM 2:152CO 1:121TI 1:19HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 1:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that conscience serves as God's preacher within us, acting as a witness to our actions and intentions. He warns that tampering with sin leads to a guilty conscience, which obstructs our peace and assurance in God. Brooks explains that harboring unconfessed sins creates a barrier between us and God, preventing Him from revealing His love and grace. He stresses that God will not listen to the prayers of those who continue to indulge in sin, as it is contrary to His holiness. Ultimately, a clear conscience is essential for true communion with God.
Shipwrecks
By D.L. Moody0Spiritual RenewalImpact of the ChurchMAT 5:16ROM 12:22CO 5:17GAL 6:1EPH 4:30COL 3:21TI 1:19HEB 10:24JAS 4:81PE 2:9D.L. Moody addresses the alarming trend of young converts making shipwreck of their faith due to the influence of churches that have become more worldly than godly. He emphasizes the need for believers to repent and seek God's forgiveness for grieving the Holy Spirit, urging them to reflect on their own lives and the impact they have on others. Moody laments the lack of spiritual conversation in church gatherings, where discussions often revolve around worldly matters rather than the personal relationship with Christ. He challenges the congregation to consider their effectiveness in leading others to Christ and to strive for a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, he calls for a return to genuine faith and action in the church.
The Holy Spirit and Conscience
By Andrew Murray0ConscienceThe Holy SpiritROM 8:16ROM 9:12CO 1:12COL 1:101TI 1:51TI 1:19TIT 1:15HEB 9:14HEB 12:281JN 3:21Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital role of conscience in the believer's life, asserting that it serves as a reflection of God's holiness and a guide towards righteousness. He explains that the Holy Spirit works in harmony with our conscience, leading us to recognize sin and embrace God's grace through Christ's blood. The cleansing of the conscience is essential for spiritual growth and maintaining a close relationship with God, as it allows believers to walk in the light of His favor. Murray encourages believers to yield to their conscience, ensuring it remains pure and responsive to God's will, which in turn strengthens their faith and assurance of salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a life characterized by a clear conscience, testifying to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Christian Directions
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 42:11PSA 119:147PRO 4:23MAT 5:16MAT 6:6COL 3:21TI 1:19HEB 10:25Samuel Rutherford emphasizes the importance of dedicating specific hours of the day to God for prayer and the Word, even if it means sacrificing time during the busiest hours. He encourages believers to maintain a constant awareness of spiritual matters amidst worldly tasks, remembering sin, death, judgment, and eternity, and offering quick prayers to God. Rutherford warns against distractions during private prayer and advises not to be disheartened if joy is not felt after prayer, as times of humility and hunger for God are beneficial. He stresses the significance of dedicating the entire Lord's Day to worship, whether in private devotion or public gatherings, and cautions against allowing known sins to harden the heart.
Choosing Sin
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 10:33MAT 16:24ROM 6:111CO 10:121TI 1:19HEB 6:61PE 1:161JN 3:5Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of choosing Christ over sin, highlighting that to choose sin is to reject Christ and to be ashamed of following His commands is to deny Him. She warns against being guilty of willful deadly sin, equating it to crucifying Christ afresh. Tileston encourages believers to do what pleases God, avoid what displeases Him, and diligently guard against anything that may tamper with their conscience. William Hay M. H. Aitken adds that we cannot hold onto besetting sins while trying to hold onto Jesus Christ; true discipleship requires reckoning oneself dead to all forms of sin to follow Jesus.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Holding faith - All the truths of the Christian religion, firmly believing them, and fervently proclaiming them to others. And a good conscience - So holding the truth as to live according to its dictates, that a good conscience may be ever preserved. As the apostle had just spoken of the Christian's warfare, so he here refers to the Christian armor, especially to the shield and breastplate; the shield of faith, and the breastplate of righteousness. See on Eph 6:13, etc., (note), and Th1 5:8 (note). Which some having put away - Απωσαμενοι· Having thrust away; as a fool-hardy soldier might his shield and his breastplate, or a mad sailor his pilot, helm, and compass. Concerning faith - The great truths of the Christian religion. Have made shipwreck - Being without the faith, that only infallible system of truth; and a good conscience, that skillful pilot, that steady and commanding helm, that faithful and invariable loadstone; have been driven to and fro by every wind of doctrine, and, getting among shoals, quicksands, and rocks, have been shipwrecked and ingulfed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Holding--Keeping hold of "faith" and "good conscience" (Ti1 1:5); not "putting the latter away" as "some." Faith is like a very precious liquor; a good conscience is the clean, pure glass that contains it [BENGEL]. The loss of good conscience entails the shipwreck of faith. Consciousness of sin (unrepented of and forgiven) kills the germ of faith in man [WIESINGER]. which--Greek singular, namely, "good conscience," not "faith" also; however, the result of putting away good conscience is, one loses faith also. put away--a wilful act. They thrust it from them as a troublesome monitor. It reluctantly withdraws, extruded by force, when its owner is tired of its importunity, and is resolved to retain his sin at the cost of losing it. One cannot be on friendly terms with it and with sin at one and the same time. made shipwreck--"with respect to THE faith." Faith is the vessel in which they had professedly embarked, of which "good conscience" is the anchor. The ancient Church often used this image, comparing the course of faith to navigation. The Greek does not imply that one having once had faith makes shipwreck of it, but that they who put away good conscience "make shipwreck with respect to THE faith."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Holding faith, and a good conscience..... By "faith" is meant, not the grace of faith, but the doctrine of faith, a sense in which it is often used in this epistle; see Ti1 3:9 and the "holding" of it does not intend a mere profession of it, and a retaining of that without wavering, which is to be done by all believers; but a holding it forth in the ministry of the word, in opposition to a concealing or dropping it, or any part of it; and a holding it fast, without wavering, and in opposition to a departure from it or any cowardice about it and against all posers: to which must be added, a good conscience; the conscience is not naturally good, but is defiled by sin; and that is only good, which is sprinkled by the blood of Christ, and thereby purged from dead works; the effect of which is an holy, upright, and becoming conversation; and which seems to be chiefly intended here, and particularly the upright conduct and behaviour of the ministers of the Gospel, in the faithful discharge of their work and office: see Co2 1:12. Which some having put away; that is, a good conscience; and which does not suppose that they once had one, since that may be put away which was never had: the Jews, who blasphemed and contradicted, and never received the word of God, are said to put it from them, Act 13:46 where the same word is used as here; and signifies to refuse or reject anything with detestation and contempt: these men always had an abhorrence to a good conscience among men, and to a good life and conversation, the evidence of it; and at length threw off the mask, and dropped the faith they professed, as being contrary to their evil conscience: though admitting it does suppose they once had a good conscience, it must be understood not of a conscience cleansed by the blood of Christ, but of a good conscience in external show only, or in comparison of what they afterwards appeared to have: and, besides, some men, destitute of the grace of God, may have a good conscience in some sense, or with respect to some particular facts, or to their general conduct and behaviour among men, as the Apostle Paul had while unregenerate, Act 23:1 and which being acted against, or lost, is no instance of falling from the true grace of God, which this passage is sometimes produced in proof of: concerning faith have made shipwreck; which designs not the grace, but the doctrine of faith, as before observed, which men may profess, and fall off from, and entirely drop and lose. Though supposing faith as a grace is meant, the phrase, "have made shipwreck of it", is not strong enough to prove the total and final falling away of true believers, could such be thought to be here meant; since persons may be shipwrecked, and not lost, the Apostle Paul was thrice shipwrecked, and each time saved; besides, as there is a true and unfeigned, so there is a feigned and counterfeit faith, which may be in persons who have no true grace, and may be shipwrecked, so as to be lost.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:19 See also 1:5-6; 6:20-21; 2 Tim 2:15-18. Conscience is viewed as a kind of gyroscope; keeping your conscience clear (or good) means ensuring that it is not destroyed (see study note on 1 Tim 4:2).