Krissi Posted January 11 Report Share Posted January 11 Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his protégé? I would love to have a prophecy spoken over me, to know clearly how God intends to use me going forward and be certain of my spiritual calling. Alas, God has not chosen to speak to me like this. Timothy was blessed to have this experience, however. Strangely, he needed to be reminded of what God had said about him through the prophets. Perhaps he had become so distracted by the trees that he forgot the forest? Perhaps he was so discouraged by lack of fruit that he doubted his original prophetic assignment? We don't know what caused Paul to encourage Timothy in this way, but we do know that Timothy needed encouragement at that time and Paul was generous and sensitive enough to provide it. Fighting the GOOD fight means avoiding fights that are not so good. Some of us are fighters. We take up arms at the wrong time. Timothy doesn't seem to be a fighter, however, but is naturally meek and unassuming. He's being exhorted by Paul, who is a fighter, to fight harder, to counter the evil that's done or presented to him. Timothy is undergoing a trial of faith and persecution. Paul is encouraging him to hang on, keep going and not succumb to short cuts or behavior that would mar his good conscience. I think Paul is trying to counter Timothy's aversion to battle. Timothy seems to be a peaceful guy, one who would run away from conflict rather than run into it. This Paul is countering in Timothy, the temptation to run, hide, be timid, give up and be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Edwards Posted January 12 Report Share Posted January 12 Apostle Paul knew that his assistant and main preacher TIMOTHY at Ephesus had his work cut out for him. Timothy had to deal with heterodox doctrines, people falling prey to such bizarre doctrines, and debates that would fracture church unity. Timothy had to recall those prophetic utterances, and to renew himself to be a faithfully pastor/Evangelist. Timothy had to be like Moses and Aaron who faced stiff opposition in the midst of persecution and rebellion. Timothy received the heavenly Gospel; he couldn't afford to compromise the truth as given to him. Nor could Timothy waste time arguing with heterodox teachers, no matter what high sounding metaphysical declarations they uttered. Perhaps Timothy wanted to spend time dialoguing with heterodox teachers and wasting time attempting to convert those who believed in forms of gnostic philosophical Judaism and mystery religions. Timothy was called to be an evangelist and proclaim the Gospel truths. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolaas A.P. Mostert Posted January 12 Report Share Posted January 12 Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? So that Timothy not do this task out of his human strength, but by led by GOD's SPIRIT after all this task is a GOD given task that Paul asked him to do. GOD will support and supply what Timothy are needed. In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Continue faithfully for what you stand for, faith and a good conscience. that he must hold on. Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? Because it is so important for Timothy to "keep his eye on the ball," to be focused about both his task and the purity of his own heart as he carries out his mission. What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his protégé? That Timothy must not to stop standing against the wrong or to become passive and quiet in the face of evil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted January 20 Report Share Posted January 20 Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his protégé? A4. Paul reminded Timothy about the prophesy about him so that he would be focused and work towards achieving those tasks set for him. Fighting the good fight means carrying out the tasks revealed to him by prophesy including evangelism, facing false prophets/ teachers and correcting them by the power of God with the determination of wining. Paul was aware that being a leader facing opposition and other challenges was not easy as there was the temptation to give up. Paul thus encouraged him to stand firm and have faith in God for victory. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crissy464 Posted January 21 Report Share Posted January 21 So Timothy would be aware of the work and tasks set out for him. God will supply hims with whatever he needs. Facing these problems as a leader was difficult. To fight the good fight is to do the right thing and to try to get others to do the same. It comes from the Christian religion, so it is deeply rooted in morality and evangelism. Paul says this not only as an affectionate greeting to one he loves, but also to indicate to all readers that Timothy's authority and teaching is based solidly on Paul's own, that Timothy represents Paul's apostolic authority in the church and must be obeyed. Timothy appeared to have been intimidated by his youthfulness. Paul urged him in 1 Timothy 4:12: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Q4. (1 TIMOTHY 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his protégé? Timothy was singled out by prophecies spoken that he would serve our Lord Jesus. Paul needed to encourage the young Timothy that he had to rebuke the false teachers in his church, and that if he should ever be tempted to lose heart or become discouraged in the work of the Lord, he should remember these prophesies and thus be inspired and stimulated to ‘fight the good fight.’ This was more of a command given to Timothy. We see Timothy as a high-ranking officer, who has received his ‘orders’ and is to fight against evil, especially the perversion of the gospel. We know that nothing happens contrary to the eternal decree of God; that Timothy is engaged in a fight which is not merely his own but the Lord’s; and that his courage and faithfulness will certainly be rewarded. Paul now mentions the manner in which this fight was to be carried out; by holding on to faith and a good conscience. Timothy is cautioned to hold onto his faith, and he must keep clinging to the truth of the gospel. By living and teaching in accordance with the truth, remaining firm and steadfast among all the opposition - Timothy will be obeying the voice of conscience. Paul is warning Timothy about being tempted to give up. No matter how hard the task given to Timothy, he is encouraged to continue faithfully in his ministry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Jerry Posted January 25 Report Share Posted January 25 Paul wanted Timothy not to embarrass those that had commissioned him. He was just reminding him what is mission is all about. In this particular case to “fight the good fight” meant for Timothy to not give up on teaching about the gospel. Paul knew that if Timothy could “hold on the faith and a good conscience” that he would be ok in his teachings. Paul is trying to keep Timothy from giving up on his mission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenore Posted February 1 Report Share Posted February 1 Timothy is reminded because he will forget. To combat doubt. Fighting the good fight means contending for the good things of God. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debra Grant Posted February 1 Report Share Posted February 1 Q4. (1 Timothy 1:18-19) Why does Paul need to remind Timothy about the prophecies spoken over him? In practical terms, what does "fight the good fight" really mean? Why does Paul tell Timothy to "hold on to faith and a good conscience"? What temptation is Paul trying to counter in his prot 1. Paul is reminding Timothy when he was commissioned, God's Spirit spoke through a person with the gift of prophecy concerning of spiritual gifts Timothy had been given. Timothy is also encouraged so he will not be overwhelmed of what he is to do. 2. To be stead fast and hold on to the truth regardless of the situation. 3. He doesn't want Timothy to lose focus or let anyone or anything convince him not to follow or preach the truth. 4. Paul wants Timothy to speak out about telling the false teachers to stop confusing the people by speaking false doctrine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atuk Timothy Posted March 29 Report Share Posted March 29 Timothy needed to be reminded of the great task ahead of him. So many wrong teachings by false prophets needed to be corrected. The Elders while laying their hands on him prayed and prophesied for him to serve diligently. Previously some preachers failed to correct the ills and challenges in the Church. Although Timothy was a young Preacher he needed to be firm in preaching and teaching the word of God. He needed to fight the good fight because it was a spiritual battle and he must not fail. He was being reminded he had a calling and needed to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a responsibility to bear a good testimony. Paul wanted him to persevere and avoid the temptation falling and misleading other believers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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