Good morning—today is June 19, 2025.
When someone is given a command, it’s not a suggestion or an option—it’s absolute. Paul uses strong language here because he deeply cares about young Timothy and his future. The apostle knows what can happen to a young leader without a strong foundation. Let’s jump in!
Today's Reading:
2 Kings 1,2,3; Psalms 82; 1 Timothy 1
Scripture
“Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may 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.” (1 Timothy 1:18-19 NIV)
Observation
Paul’s young protégé, Timothy, wrestled with inexperience, immaturity, and timidity because of his youth. False teachers were spreading ideas that were toxic to the Christian faith. Though Timothy was called, Paul knew he needed to charge the young man to stay grounded and alert.
Romans 11:29 says, “For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable.” In other words, if God calls someone like Timothy and gives him the gifts and grace to walk it out, the only thing that can stop him... is himself. The call of God must often be recalled in order to fight the battles of life well.
Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it—he uses the word command because he knows Timothy must hold on to his faith and guard against a seared conscience. When we lose faith, we drift. And like a ship without a set course, we run aground and suffer shipwreck.
Application
Whether we’re called to be leaders, parents, spouses, pastors, or servants, we are not immune to life’s ever-changing storms. I’m challenged to renew my faith and guard my conscience by revisiting God’s call on my life.
Like Timothy, sometimes we don’t just need a reminder—we need a charge. We need a voice like a general, stepping in to bark a timely command that snaps us back into formation.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I’m in! My answer is yes to all You’ve called me to. I know the enemy would love for me—and many others—to shrink back. But not today. I’m in the Lord’s army. Yes, sir!
—Aaron Cordeiro