Today we are going to discuss the importance of maintaining confidence and trust in God, focusing on avoiding a “shipwreck” of our faith.

This is a sobering topic and a common question especially in our today’s world which is constantly changing. Apostle Paul talks about ‘some’ who ‘have made shipwreck of their faith’ (1 Timothy 1:19).

Jesus Christ, Apostle Paul and Peter, all described people who make a seemingly good start in the Christian life and then rejected what they once claimed to believe. They walked away from living by faith. Even though they started out well in faith and they drifted off.

The New Testament teaches that it is possible to make a start in the Christian life, and perhaps a very long start, and then drift away and start following your intellect or fresh.

We find the word “Shipwreck” specifically from 2 Timothy 1:19

1 Timothy 1:19-20 “…. having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

The phrase “shipwreck of faith” in this verse suggests a departure from sound doctrine and a drifting into dangerous waters of false teaching.

In the next verse, Paul singles out Hymenaeus and Alexander, both of whom appear to have been professing Christians at some point earlier. According to 1 Timothy 1:20,

What did they do? And how do people shipwreck their faith today?”

In the natural, there are only two reasons that causes shipwrecks; one is navigational error; the other is mechanical error.

Apostle Paul tells his son in faith – Timothy that there are also two reasons why people shipwreck their faith.

1. Doctrinal error,
2. Moral failure

Doctrinal Error.

To maintain your faith, one must understand sound doctrine and fundamental aspects such as God, Christ, sin, and salvation.

Sticking to these doctrines offers a myriad of benefits, both spiritually and practically.

One of the key perils associated with teaching or allowing incorrect doctrines is the potential to lead believers astray. Misguided teachings can distort the true message of the Bible, leading individuals away from the path of righteousness and into spiritual confusion. This divergence from sound doctrine can ultimately weaken the faith of believers, causing them to seek teachings that cater to their personal desires rather than the truth of God’s word. It’s imperative for spiritual leaders to remain vigilant, ensuring that their teachings remain firmly rooted in Biblical truth.

In his epistles, Apostle Paul frequently emphasized the critical need for adhering to the “right doctrine,” often warning against false teachings and urging early Christian communities to hold fast to the true gospel message, particularly in letters like Galatians, Romans, and his Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus) where he actively addressed doctrinal issues and provided instruction on maintaining sound theological beliefs.

Note: Adherence to the true doctrine of Christ can bring about prosperity and safety in a believer’s life.

2 Timothy 4:1-2

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables”.

Moral Failure

Knowing the correct doctrine isn’t enough. You can know all the doctrine in the world but if your life doesn’t match that doctrine you are going to run your faith aground.

Apostle Paul continues to instruct Timothy to keep a clean conscience, he tells him to pursue righteousness, to practice and train for godliness. We must also take that and apply it to our lives as well as examine our life to make sure that our lives are in line with the doctrine we teach, listen to, believe or follow.

Ask yourself

• Is Christ your guide? Are you following His doctrine alone?
• Do you believe salvation is by faith and grace alone?
• Does your lifestyle reflect your faith?

If you do, then you will sail past any hidden rocks under the surface safely because you have Christ with you who knows the beginning and the ending of even the situation you are facing.
Ladies and gentleman, in our generation, it is possible for a believer to have his/ her faith shipwrecked.” It is also possible for believers in Christ Jesus to wreck their usefulness, virtue, and sanctification by believing error and refusing to safeguard their faith. 

The four main causes of a “shipwrecked faith”

1. Wrong doctrines. Wrong doctrine, or false teachings, can “shipwreck” one’s faith by leading individuals away from true. Wrong doctrine can potentially cause a decline in our spiritual walk, as described in 1 Timothy 1:19.
2. Material Attachment. We often prioritize material possessions over studying God’s Word, which can negatively affect our well-being. Focusing too much on worldly items may hinder our spiritual growth and calling in God’s Kingdom. Regularly investing time in God’s Word strengthens our understanding and personal growth.
3. Unbalanced Emotions. Emotions are important, but they shouldn’t overshadow God’s Word. Emotional responses can mislead us, so it’s crucial to balance feelings with factual understanding to maintain stable convictions in decision-making.
4. Over-Reliance on Self. While society values self-reliance, true strength lies in seeking support from God. Leaning on the Holy Spirit as our guide leads to more meaningful success. Sole dependence on personal abilities can restrict growth; whilst allowing the Holy Spirit to lead enhances our capabilities.

Ladies and gentlemen, we must remain aware that in these last days, truth is under attack and lies are abounding. Believers who are not grounded in healthy doctrine will suffer shipwreck. They will easily be tossed about on the rocks of doubt and despair. Their lives will be wasted with feelings of hopelessness. Jesus Himself warned against false teachers and counterfeit religion in Matthew chapter 24.

Matthew 24:3-8 (NKJV)

³ And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

⁴ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. ⁵ For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. ⁶ And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.

How do you stay focused on Jesus strengthening your faith amid troubling news in the world?

First, acknowledge that the Lord’s voice is active in His Word and that whatever He says He means it. (Isaiah 55:11). Second, recognize that you have responsibilities alongside God’s Word. Third, you must engage in prayer, fasting, Bible reading, and fellowshipping with of like precious faith.

Let us look at Ephesians 6:11-16 ^“11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ¹³ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; ¹⁵ And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; ¹⁶ Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

The text advises maintaining stability by being truthful, righteous, peaceful, and faithful. It stresses protecting emotional well-being and staying focused amid distractions while promoting positive thoughts to achieve this goal.