1 Timothy 1:3-6 As I urged you when I was leaving for Macedonia, stay on in Ephesus to instruct certain people not to spread false teachings, nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan that operates by faith. But the aim of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have strayed from these and turned away to empty discussion. Paul charges Timothy to stay on in Ephesus and correct false teaching. Paul himself states the purpose that should drive Timothy in his preaching: “that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” Love must be the beating heart of our lives. We are commanded to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) and “forgive from the heart” (Matthew 18), which does not happen in our lives apart from a relationship with Jesus. It is through Jesus Christ that we come to know, receive, and express true love and forgiveness. God first loved us and Jesus gave His life as the ransom for many. We are one of many, and we have a responsibility to be accountable to one another to uphold the integrity of the gospel.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 22:49:37 +0000