THE PROPHECIES. 1st Timothy 1:18 In the early days of the church, men gifted as prophets were set apart to warn and encourage God's people. Since the New Testament scriptures had not yet been written, these men and the apostles formed the foundation of the work and were used by God to meet the needs of the saints, receiving teaching from God to start and sustain the work and a new congregation. The gift of prophecy included edification, exhortation, and comfort, which were especially important to the early church. Through New Testament prophets, insight was provided to address issues that arose in local assemblies made up of Jews and Gentiles united in Christ. Based on the wisdom of the prophets, warnings were issued about false doctrines and teachers. Encouragement during times of persecution strengthened the faith of new believers. Prophets must have assured Paul when he wanted Timothy to join him in spreading the Gospel. When Timothy was set apart for the work ahead, prophets laid their hands on him as a sign of their fellowship, faith in him, and encouragement. Support from those who offer “the right hand of fellowship” is deeply meaningful when those serving the Lord in distant places face hardships and opposition. Whenever a called servant of the Lord reaches out to “regions beyond,” Satan will oppose. He does not surrender territory easily. The invasion of spiritual light into darkness exposes sin and its horror to the eyes of both sinners and those who “hold forth the word of life.” There was no doubt that those who prophesied identified Timothy as a young man whom God had given the needed gifts to further the work he joined with Paul. Others could see Timothy's gifts and strengths and provided a good report of him to the apostle Paul. The "prophecies which went before on thee" would have encouraged him throughout his life, even though he doubtless felt unable to meet the need at times. For him to defend the faith, these prophets were used in the early church to minister to the saints so that Timothy realized he had this charge from God, not just from Paul. This was not a light or subtle suggestion but rather a charge that should not be taken lightly or dropped casually. A charge is not something you can alter to make it easier to accept, nor is it waiting for your decision. It cannot be postponed for any reason or transferred to a more convenient time. A charge is not just a collection of words to interpret as you wish, nor simple words for children to act upon. It is an urgent duty given by a superior who expects it to be carried out without debate or argument. A charge is not something to be selectively followed or made to fit a situation that’s easier to handle. It’s not a simple human command you can subcontract to someone else or expect others to fulfill—this is a charge from someone in authority that you are expected to carry out.
Stand strong like a man and defend the faith! Move forward! Never retreat! Don't wait any longer! The world hates it! Religions ignore it! Christians forget it! The enemy pursues it! You defend it! HOLD THE FAITH!
Those who lead us need our support when they face difficult challenges. When we know the Lord has qualified someone for His work and is capable and willing to accomplish the task they are called to, we recognize divine authority is behind them. The work of the Lord is not easy because we "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers; against spiritual wickedness in high places." This work is called warfare. Timothy was in Ephesus to "war a good warfare" by divine authority in fellowship with the Lord and His servant, Paul. We who are distant from the work where others are involved can only understand a little of what they face daily. This fight is a lifetime of effort, and those participating need our prayers, fellowship, and financial support to keep moving forward despite the pressures, struggles, and setbacks of the work.