Scripture Guide

1 Timothy 1:18-20 Scripture Guide

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THIS WEEK’S 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. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.” — 1 Timothy 1:18–20 (NIV)

Have you ever needed someone to remind you of who you are when life gets hard? Maybe it was a coach who told you not to quit, a mentor who called out your potential, or a friend who spoke truth when you felt discouraged. Scripture shows us the words spoken over us—and the identity God gives us—matter deeply.

Paul does this for Timothy. He reminds him of the prophecies spoken over his life—the calling, gifting, and purpose God had already affirmed. Why? Because Timothy was in a battle. False teachers were spreading harmful doctrine, and the church needed a shepherd who wouldn’t back down. Paul tells Timothy to fight well by holding tightly to two things: faith and a good conscience.

Not everyone did. Some abandoned them and “shipwrecked” their faith. This wasn’t about losing an argument—it was about losing direction, losing grounding, losing the truth. Paul calls Timothy to stand firm, stay anchored, and remember who God says he is. We’re called to the same. In a world filled with competing voices, doubts, and cultural pressure, God invites us to cling tightly to our faith, guard our conscience, and live from the identity He’s already spoken over us.

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures:
2 Timothy 1:6–14; Jude 3–4, 20–23; Ephesians 6:10–18; Hebrews 10:32–39

Study Questions:

  • What common themes appear across these passages about standing firm in faith?
  • What does Scripture suggest is the danger of ignoring conscience or abandoning sound teaching?
  • How do these passages connect spiritual warfare with perseverance and obedience?
  • How does recalling God’s calling, promises, or past faithfulness strengthen you for current challenges?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What is God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • What step of obedience is God calling me to take based on this passage?
  • What attitudes or habits are weakening my “good conscience” before God?
  • What identity or calling has God spoken over me that I need to recall and cling to?

Application Challenge:
Identify one area where you’ve grown spiritually “drift-prone”—a habit, a relationship, or a pattern of thinking. Ask the Holy Spirit to realign your heart, rebuild conviction, and strengthen your conscience. Make one practical change this week to anchor yourself in faith.

Scripture to Pray: Psalm 25:4–5

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

Guided Prayer:

Lord Jesus, anchor my heart in Your truth. Strengthen my faith where it feels weak, renew my conscience where it’s been dulled, and guard me from anything that would lead me astray. Help me fight the good fight with confidence in the calling You’ve placed on my life.

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember to guard your conscience and live from the redeemed identity God’s spoken over you.

  • What’s one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • Who has spoken “identity” or encouragement over your life in a meaningful way? How did it shape you?
  • What does Paul mean by “fighting the battle well”? What does that look like practically?
  • Why do you think Paul emphasizes both “faith” and a “good conscience”?
  • What does “shipwrecking the faith” look like in real life today? What warning can we take from this?
  • How does recalling God’s calling or past faithfulness help strengthen us in difficult seasons?
  • What does this passage reveal about God’s love, discipline, and commitment to His people?
  • How is God challenging you personally to guard your faith, your conscience, or your influences?