I just feel like giving up. Has that thought ever run through your mind? Perhaps you've faced an insurmountable financial debt or an unsolvable health crisis. Maybe you've felt like giving up as a mother, as a wife, or in your career.
It's possible you've even been tempted to give up on your faith. A series of heartbreaking losses have you wondering if God is even there. A painful experience at church rocks your foundation, causing you to doubt the goodness of God. A season of waiting and closed doors is wearing you down and there's no end in sight.
I'll wager Timothy felt like throwing in the towel, too. Timothy was Paul's companion throughout the apostle's years of ministry, a sort of "apprentice in the faith." Shortly before writing the first letter that bears Timothy's name, Paul requested his trusted and loyal friend take on the difficult job of pastoring the church in Ephesus. A church that had a reputation marked by loose morals, informality in worship, and frequent disagreements caused by false doctrines.
So how does the apostle Paul encourage Timothy in his seemingly impossible task? What counsel does he give to combat the issues at hand and urge his beloved "son" to fight the good fight, even in the face of such prolific problems? Paul starts by emphasizing the vital importance of sound doctrine—both for the health of the church and for Timothy's confidence in his role as their pastor.
Where solid doctrine cracks and crumbles, the weeds of pride begin to grow. Paul urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus so he could "command certain men not to teach false doctrines" or devote themselves to distractions which "promote controversies rather than God's work" (1 Tim. 1:3–4). These men wanted to be teachers to make themselves look good, but in reality had no idea what they were talking about (v. 7)!
When our emphasis shifts to anything other than Christ crucified (1 Cor. 2:2), we invite corruption and controversy. Clarke describes these controversies as "discourses that turn to no profit; a great many words and little sense; and that sense not worth the pain of hearing." When everything seems to be falling apart and conflict has us ready to quit, the best place to turn is God's Word!
The Psalmist says, “Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Ps. 119:24). The goal of God's law is the inward working upon the heart that results in love, a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5). "We know the law is good if one uses it properly" (v. 8, emphasis mine).
Using Scripture to reveal the sin in our lives and direct us in paths of righteousness brings great encouragement (Ps. 119:50,133)! We are preserved and strengthened by it in difficult times (Ps. 119:25, 28). But the improper use of Scripture can result in legalism, which is only concerned with outward appearances. A form of legalism based on “myths and endless genealogies” had taken root in Ephesus.
Legalism will twist the love of a pure heart to harsh judgment; a good conscience to one of self-condemnation; and a sincere faith to prideful self-reliance. Having godly standards and striving toward obedience to God's Word does not make us legalists. Legalism is thinking our standards and obedience are what make us right with God.
The truth is we all fall short of God's standards (Rom. 3:23). But as believers we are entrusted with the preservation and protection of the gospel we profess. Perhaps Timothy felt that his timid disposition or his young age disqualified him for the work at hand. Maybe he felt he didn’t quite meet God’s standards. Nevertheless, Paul makes it clear that Jesus is the one who appoints and strengthens us for His service (1 Tim. 1:12)—it has nothing to do with our own merit!
The Bible tells us it is Christ's work to save, and that salvation belongs to sinners (Mk. 2:17). We may recognize ourselves as sinners, but our minds still tend to become infatuated with the idea that we can somehow increase our worthiness. Therefore as soon as our unworthiness again becomes evident, we lose confidence.
Yet when our roots are deep in solid Biblical doctrine, we gain greater assurance and boldness in our faith (Heb. 4:14–16). Paul displayed such boldness in his personal testimony to Timothy, saying, “[Christ] considered me faithful, appointing me to His service… The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 1:12, 14). When our own inadequacy or brokenness has us ready to give up, the best person to turn to is Jesus!
Paul said, ”Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst" (v. 15). Our God is a great God who calls unworthy people to serve Him! Paul's past failings did not disqualify him from serving God, and neither do our present ones. God does not remember our sins to our disadvantage, but delights in displaying His grace and mercy through us that He might be glorified (v. 16-17).
Finally, Paul exhorts Timothy to keep fighting the good fight and to hold on to his faith and a good conscience…because not everybody will do so (v. 18–19). When we are discouraged and ready to surrender, the best examples to turn to are godly examples! Unfortunately, there were plenty of ungodly examples at the church in Ephesus.
Paul describes those who rejected his instructions as having “shipwrecked” their faith (v. 19). If we want to learn to sail, we should learn from captains who have left port and navigate voyages confidently and expertly; not those who, for lack of skill or excess of ego, have run aground and cast away all hope of rescue.
Whatever issues we may struggle with, whatever challenges we may face, whatever difficult times befall us, let’s not give up but keep on fighting the good fight! Let’s turn to the Word, to Jesus, and to godly men and women for encouragement. And may we always remember God’s love and grace poured out on us abundantly through our faith in Christ Jesus!
Lord, sometimes we feel like giving up. Sometimes the way forward looks hopeless and fraught with discouragement and despair so that we don’t want to go on. But You are our eternal encouragement and good hope! Help us look to You, to Your Word, and to our fellow believers when difficulty abounds. Strengthen us and preserve us through the Scriptures—may they be the rock-solid foundation of our faith and the source of encouragement for our lives! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a situation in your life that has you ready to give up? Have you found encouragement by spending time with God and in His Word?
- Read 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17: “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (emphasis mine). What does eternal encouragement mean to you?
- Who are some godly friends or mentors you can look to as encouraging examples in the faith?