I Timothy 1-2

“Remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” (v3-4).  Timothy’s job was to encourage the believers to focus on Christ and their own behavior. Human nature prefers to “speculate” and engage in “vain discussion” (v4,6), rather than to do the hard work of pursuing “love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v5).  

“Wage the good warfare” (v16).  Paul urged Timothy to “wage war” not against anyone or anything outside, but to fight the spiritual battle for steadfast faith and personal holiness among those who are called by Christ’s name (v19).