1 Timothy 1:3-11
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
Devotion
Paul writes this letter to Timothy who he referred to as “my true son in the faith.” Paul writes this letter to encourage him in his faith and to instruct him as a church leader. In the opening verses, Paul addresses some concerns about false doctrines that had surfaced in Ephesus where Timothy was ministering. Apparently, some false teachers were emphasizing Jewish laws, rituals and myths rather than God’s sovereign plan which is discerned by faith.
Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of all Christian teaching is love. Love is God’s prevailing attribute (1 John 4:8). Therefore, as we live out scriptural truths, we ought to reflect the love of God in all that we do and say. This love that Paul is writing about is the result of “a pure heart, a good conscious, and a sincere faith.” These false teachers were motivated by selfish desires and their own ambitions. Instead, godly teaching must come from a pure heart and a sincere faith. The purpose of Paul’s appeal here is not to stir up more controversy, but rather to create love for and in these false teachers, love which flows not out of a fanatical devotion to false doctrines, but rather out of a pure heart and good conscience.
Paul notes that these false teachers had departed from sound teaching and theology. They were more interested in stirring up controversy than nurturing unity in the church. They claimed to have knowledge, but they were ignorant concerning basic Christian teachings concerning the Jewish law and its role in God’s sovereign plan for humanity.
Paul’s concern for Timothy and the church at Ephesus are obvious as he instructs Timothy not to tolerate these false teachers and their false doctrines. Doctrine is important! Later in verse nineteen, Paul would write, “Some have rejected these (doctrines) and have shipwrecked their faith.” Here Paul is using strong language to communicate that these people who once professed to be followers of Jesus had abandoned His teachings, showing they were never truly His followers to begin with. Later in chapter four, Paul would write, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” Paul is not promoting salvation by works here. Instead he is communicating that church leaders who are saved by grace through faith must give evidence of God’s calling in their lives by persevering in personal holiness and doctrinal integrity. Those who are pure in heart and have a sincere faith do not abandon sound teaching. Paul is communicating to this young church leader the seriousness of his calling to lead others in the faith.
Questions to Ponder
Do you pray for your church leaders daily? Have you abandoned sound teaching? Are you motivated by selfish ambition? Do you find pleasure and excitement in controversy? What are you doing to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace? What are the risks of not responding to false doctrines swiftly and decisively?
Prayer Points
- Praise God as a God of mercy, grace, peace and hope.
- Praise Him as King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God. Honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- Confess any judgmental thoughts, actions and our failure to pray for leaders in our midst. Invite Holy Spirit to search your heart and reveal any offensive way.
- Pray for our church, governmental and national leaders right now.
Suggested Prayer
Sovereign LORD, thank You for being our Good Shepherd we confess Your leadership is perfect. You are just, kind, loving, forgiving, patient and merciful. Thank You Abba for every leader in our midst, thank You that You have chosen them to serve in this capacity. Lord, we lift up Pastor Bob and all our pastors, leaders and Elders at Oak Pointe. We ask that You would protect and watch over them and their families. Lord, continue to lead them into Your truth daily, shepherd their hearts and continue to incline their ears to hear You and walk in Your ways. Thank You for how each of them overflows with Your love. Reveal Yourself to them today Lord, let there be mutual encouragement with those around them. Teach me and our church how to continue to keep them and other leaders around us in prayer and intercession. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.