Charge

I Tim. 1:5

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

 

Paul was deeply concerned about false doctrine being believed and even taught within the body. So as a result, he charged Timothy to expose this trend and to be on guard himself. What were these false doctrines? Some had to do with endless genealogies and myths. Instead of promoting stewardship, they were producing speculation. Paul clarified for Timothy what was the true doctrine: love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Swerving from these would only lead to vain discussions. Apparently the people desired to be teachers of the law, but really had no understanding of what they were saying. These people did not understand the basic purpose of the law, that is to point out sin whether it was lawlessness, disobedience, ungodliness, unholiness, profanity, abusing parents, murdering, being sexually immoral or homosexual, enslaving, lying, perjuring, to name a few. It was not for the just, those whose sins had been forgiven and covered in the blood of Christ; and for sure, it did not need to be added to the gospel!

 

Paul knew this personally. He had been a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent when Jesus called him for His service. He received mercy, and as a result, the grace of Jesus overflowed for him with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Beyond any shade of doubt, Jesus did come into the world to save sinners! He fulfilled the law by replacing the sacrifice of the blood of animals with His own blood offered once for all. Paul knew his salvation was an example to others who were to believe in Him. Because of all this, Paul charged Timothy to wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. It would be battle for Timothy to speak out to others and even to guard his own soul. But the essentials, love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith only come from the gospel of Jesus Christ. It has nothing to do with works of the law, but instead believing and accepting Christ as Savior. Salvation is all of grace by faith so that no man can boast! Heb. 10:22-24 echoes these exact same issues. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works... Certainly, this is a far cry from endless genealogies, myths, and the law. Jesus has provided it all!

 

Father,

Thank You for the great gift of salvation, for radically changing me from the inside out. You gave me a true heart cleansed from my evil conscience. Praises! Teach me how to stir up love and good works in my own life and in others.

In Jesus name,

Amen