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1 Timothy 1:18-20
In 1 Timothy 1:18-20 the Apostle Paul gives advice to Timothy concerning the truth of the gospel and holding true to its teachings. This is profitable for fighting the good fight against realms of spiritual warfare. Paul instructs in Ephesians 6:10-13 (NKJV), “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.”
Paul gives his reasoning for this concern as he states in 1 Timothy 1:19-20 that those teachers who have rejected the truth of the gospel have been “shipwrecked” or fallen away from the truth of the gospel and pulled away by the devil into blasphemous teaching.
This is a command to hold true to our faith in God with a good conscience toward the teachings of the gospel.
To hold true to the gospel and its teachings is to have an active, daily study of it and to take our concerns for learning to God in prayer and seek His guidance each day. We must be prepared each day to fend off the wiles of the devil and not allow him to overpower our minds with the false teachings of this world that pull us away from our relationship with God and cause “shipwreck” in our lives. When Satan attacks, he is close to us; we rid ourselves of him through putting our focus on Jesus and calling to Him for help. The Bible teaches us in James 4:7-8, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Dear LORD,
The devil is persistent, and he will not cease from attacking us each day. Please help us to be aware of this truth so that we may prepare ourselves for this spiritual warfare by drawing closer to You in prayer, study of Your word, and calling on the name of Jesus when the devil strikes. You are our victory and salvation; please help us all to live it in Christ each day. In Jesus name I pray, amen.