[:en]SCRIPTURE: 1 TIMOTHY 1
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” ( 2 Timothy 1:5)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the workd to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life” ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16)
Timothy was born at Lystra and had a Greek father and Jewish mother who taught him scriptures from childhood. He went with Paul on his second missionary journey and helped Paul with his work. Timothy became a teacher and a leader of the church at Ephesus while he was still young. So Paul wrote this letter to give him advices and warnings about false teachings.
God had entrusted Timothy with a ministry in the city of Ephesus. There were false teachers who did not know what they were talking about. They turned away from the truth of the Word and devoted themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Their ministries fostered argument and caused divisions. Paul emphasized that the ministry of a true steward of God is love which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.
The significance of law is not to save people but to show people their sins and lawlessness. The glorious gospel is not a system of laws but “sacred doctine” and “healthy teachings” that promotes spiritual health.
Timothy was not confident of himself because he considered himself too young and lacked the necessary qualification to lead the church. But Paul gave himself as an example. He was a blasphemer and murderer. But he was saved by grace through God’s mercy and love. God enabled him to do His work with great success. Paul had gave God the glory for his life and ministry. He told Timothy that God would not call him without equipping him.
Paul instructed Timothy to hold on to faith with a good conscience. Conscience is that inward judge that bears witness of our actions. To have sound doctrine is not enough. A believer must also have correct living.
Paul named 2 men in Ephesus who might give Timothy troubles : Hymenaeus and Alexander – for they were teaching false doctrines. So he encouraged Timothy to face these men with God’s truth and to preserve the purity and power of the church.
LESSON:
Beware of false teachers. They are motivated by a desire to gain power, prestige and to amass wealth with falsehood and empty talks. We should read the Scripture to know God’s truth. The law is given to show unbeliever their sins and bring them to Christ. The church should practise forgiveness and healing for repentant sinners but she must never compromise sin.
No matter how shameful or sinful your past is, God can forgive and use you. He came to offer you salvation that leads to eternal life. Are you willing to accept His offer?
As we walk with God, He will speak to us though our conscience for us to distinguish what is right and wrong.
Those who wonder away from God’s truth need correction. Church discipline is needed but it should bring the offender back to Christ.[:]