What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 1:19?

Holding on to faith

“holding on to faith” (1 Timothy 1:19a)

• Faith is the sure grasp of God’s revealed truth, never a vague feeling. Hebrews 11:1 calls it “the assurance of what we hope for.”

• Paul insists we cling to that truth, not merely profess it. He later urges, “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:12) and rejoices, “I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

• Jude echoes the call: “contend earnestly for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 1:3).

• When we cherish Scripture’s teaching and trust Christ daily, faith roots us like an anchor (Colossians 2:6-7).

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And a good conscience

“and a good conscience” (1 Timothy 1:19b)

• Conscience is the inner witness that either affirms or warns. Acts 24:16 shows Paul striving to “maintain a clear conscience before God and man.”

• A good conscience flows from obedience to truth (1 Peter 3:16). It is not self-made morality but Spirit-shaped alignment with God’s Word (Psalm 119:11).

• Paul requires deacons to “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (1 Timothy 3:9), proving that creed and conduct are inseparable.

• Practical picture:

– Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)

– Quick confession when sin surfaces (1 John 1:9)

– Consistent choices that honor Christ (1 Corinthians 10:31)

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Which some have rejected

“which some have rejected” (1 Timothy 1:19c)

• To “reject” means a deliberate push-away. Later Paul names Hymenaeus and Alexander who “have shipwrecked their faith” (1 Timothy 1:20).

• The Spirit warns that “some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits” (1 Timothy 4:1-2). Hard hearts sear the conscience, treating truth as expendable.

• Demas illustrates the tragedy: “because he loved this world, he has deserted me” (2 Timothy 4:10).

• Jesus foretold shallow hearers who “believe for a while, but in time of testing fall away” (Luke 8:13). Rejection begins with small compromises.

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And thereby shipwrecked their faith

“and thereby shipwrecked their faith” (1 Timothy 1:19d)

• A shipwreck leaves sailors stranded and cargo lost; likewise, careless believers run aground spiritually.

• Hebrews 6:4-6 describes those who drift past rescue, while 2 Peter 3:17 urges vigilance “so that you do not fall from your secure position.”

• Revelation 2:5 warns a church to “remember…repent…or I will remove your lampstand.”

• Avoiding shipwreck:

– Keep the compass of Scripture in constant view (Psalm 119:105).

– Sail with faithful companions who correct and encourage (Hebrews 10:24-25).

– Stay alert to subtle currents of false teaching (Ephesians 4:14).

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summary

Paul sets a simple but urgent pattern: cling tightly to biblical faith and live transparently before God. When either grip loosens—truth ignored or conscience silenced—the vessel of one’s life drifts into reefs of error and ruin. By treasuring God’s Word, confessing sin quickly, and walking in daily obedience, believers remain seaworthy, steering safely toward the harbor of eternal reward.