I Timothy 1

“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (5). Paul told Timothy to correct the false teachers in Ephesus who were promoting “controversial speculations” and “meaningless talk” (4,6). Their focus on “myths and genealogies” was not producing good spiritual fruit such as love and sincere faith. Paul said that the true gospel causes life transformation, as it did in his own case, turning him from a violent, blaspheming man into Jesus’ disciple (13-14).

God calls us to “fight the battle” of staying true to the gospel (19) rather than getting sidetracked by speculations and controversies. “The goal of this command is love” (5).