1 Timothy 1:18-20

 (1) Overview:

(NAC) Paul had begun his charge to Timothy in 1:3–4 by urging him to warn the false teachers in Ephesus to stop devoting themselves to useless “myths” that promoted controversy rather than commitment. In 1:12–17 he digressed from this warning in order to explain the nature of the gospel on which Timothy was to focus.

(2) Repeated words:
you may fight the good fight v.18

a. Paul repeated the command he gave in v.3-5, namely, to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings. It must not be an easy task and therefore, Paul used the word, "fight" twice. 

good (BDB)= of moral quality...noble, praiseworthy, contributing to salvation  

b. (NIGTC) By adding [good] to [fight]... Paul makes clear that the “fight” is a good and noble task and in accord with the gospel. The context depicts the fight in terms of a warfare against opponents such as Satan (v. 20) and, more concretely, those who abandon a good conscience and faith, who blaspheme (vv. 19 and 20), and who teach heterodoxy (vv. 4ff.). In his use of soldier imagery in 2 Tim. 2:3, 4 Paul elaborates, in effect, on what is involved in such a fight, namely, willingness to suffer hardship and to be completely faithful to one’s commander.

(3) 1:18 I put this charge before you, Timothy my child, in keeping with the prophecies once spoken about you, in order that with such encouragement you may fight the good fight.

The prophecies once spoken to Timothy would encourage him to fight the good fight.

(NET) The prophecies once spoken about you were apparently spoken at Timothy’s ordination (cf. 1 Tim 4:14) and perhaps spoke of what God would do through him. Thus they can encourage him in his work, as the next clause says.

Reflection: We all have times that we face challenges that require all energy to fight with. Timothy needed to take care of the false teachers among his churches. You can imagine what kind of personnel struggles he would face.  Are you facing any struggle like that?

Sometimes to defend the Gospel we cannot avoid this kind of good and noble fight. We cannot avoid confronting people who spread the wrong gospel. Those are not pleasant taks. What is the unpleasant task that you have to deal with?

Lastly, Timothy special prophecies when he was called to minister that we do not share. However, Jesus promised those who make disciples that He will be with them to the end of the age (Mt 28:20). Will that be enough to encourage you?

Audrey