1 Timothy 1
Scripture1 Timothy 1:55 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.Observation Previously, we’ve read Paul’s writings to the churches, but this letter is specifically written to Timothy – an evangelist whose work it was to “plant” and “water” churches…or perhaps stated differently, to multiply Christ followers. [Hmm…that sounds familiar. J] Paul considers Timothy his “true son in the faith” because Timothy was first converted by Paul (Acts 16:3); Paul is now writing to charge Timothy with squashing the teaching of false doctrines that are distracting from the advancement of God’s kingdom work. UnderstandingI found it very easy to relate this to modern times. I believe it was the beginning of the current Q&A sermon series where PG brought to light that the enemy’s most strategic ploy may be to convince us that hell doesn’t exist or isn’t that bad. [This is an example of false doctrine.] Because, if he was successful in doing so, Christians would have less urgency and be less likely to share their faith and those who are not believers would be less likely to choose to become Christ-followers. [This being an example of a distraction from the advancement of God’s work.] Paul’s desire to have Timothy command against these false teachings is love – love for God’s people, love for the lost, love of the kingdom work of restoring souls to Christ. I believe this love is the center of God’s heart and what we are called to reflect. And, as verse 5 says, love “comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”Life ApplicationGo love on somebody! <3 Not to be too warm and fuzzy on your Monday morning (especially if you haven’t yet had your coffee), but God is ALL about LOVE…Romans 13:8-108 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,”[a] and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.Matthew 5:4444 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,John 13:3535 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”So, as we begin a new week, let’s keep our hearts pure, our conscience clean and our faith sincere and take every opportunity to love on those we encounter…in a way that brings healing, refreshing, peace and joy…but, most of all, in a way that points people towards relationship with God.To check out the discussion or to join in click here.- Rei