1 Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Hats off to Pastor David Reid, of Columbus Bible Church, Columbus Ohio. I listened to his latest Wednesday Q & A, where he explained that even someone like Hymaneus and Alexander were secure in their salvation.
You see, when warring a good warfare in the Christian life, it is important to have faith, and a good conscience. This means that one not only trusts the Lord for salvation, but also continues to grow in Christ throughout their life. The good conscience one has is living with a Godly, rather than an earthly perception.
Colossians 3:1-4 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
What happens when a believer no longer has a good conscience? They naturally put their faith on the back burner (put away), and they become shipwrecked!
Unfortunately there are many Christians who “put away” their faith. Much like having a financial rainy day fund, to be able to take care of emergencies when they come up (having an emergency is indeed a wise thing), people treat their faith in the same manner. “I’ll use Jesus when a need comes up, etc.” Jesus becomes the back up plan for life.
Almost everyone has, what I like to call, a junk drawer. It’s the place you put things that you may need at some point in time. Is the object of your faith in the junk drawer? Or is it seated at the right hand of the Father? You’ve put it away to use at another time when needed.
2 Timothy 2:14-15 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
JESUS IS NOT THE BACK-UP PLAN, OR JUNK DRAWER. HE IS “THE LIFE!”
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
As Believers, we need to remember that salvation is not only justification, but includes sanctification, as well as glorification. Don’t forget that the simple answer is to get back to the Gospel, and look to the faithfulness of the Lord for His work in us.
Focus on the Lord
Paul’s testimony of the “faith of Christ” is a testimony for anyone who has confidence in the flesh, or who has put their faith away:
Philippians 3:1-14 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Bob Picard
Pastor, God’s Grace Bible Church, Millbury, Massachusetts
http://www.godsgracebc.org / info@godsgracebc.org
SUPPLY OF GRACE 
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