Protecting a Pure Heart
We are enjoying our last day in Glenwood Springs, hanging out at that hot springs pool. This evening we return to the “Italian Underground” one of our favorite restaurants.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion.” 1 Timothy 1:5,6 HCSB
As Paul writes to Timothy, he is clear concerning the goal of his instruction and teaching. He says it is, “love that come from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Paul realized the spiritual battle is always one for the “heart.” Throughout his letter he expresses concern for those who will have the purity of their heart, conscience and faith damaged.
He first identifies those who have turned to “fruitless discussion.” It seems in the present context, the controversy focused on the “law” of Moses. We know from the Book of Acts there were issues among the early church about Gentile believers and their adherence to the Law of Moses.
There is a principle that needs attention regardless of the issue, that being, “fruitless discussion” does not advance the gospel or faith. It is a distraction and brings more confusion than clarity on what the true focus of the Christ follower should be.
Later Paul refers the importance of faith and a good conscience and says, “Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19 HCSB)
It is from this context that Paul gives instructions to Timothy regarding his leadership and church order. As he does that he cautions, “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.” (1 Timothy 4:1,2 HCSB)
As Paul gives instructions regarding the care and responsibilities of widows, especially those who are young, he is very specific about the role of the church and focus and responsibilities of younger women. As he cautions he once again observes, “For some have already turned away to follow Satan.” (1 Timothy 5:15 HCSB)
Paul tells Timothy to warn those who “are rich” not to place their trust in their wealth and to allow that to become their focus. He observes, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.” (1 Timothy 6:10 HCSB)
In his closing instructions to Timothy, Paul warns against those who would profess a “special knowledge” that undermines the truth, He says, “By professing it [special knowledge], some people have deviated from the faith.” (1 Timothy 6:21 HCSB)
What we can observe from all of this is that faith can be fragile and a good conscious can be damaged. In order for Timothy to fulfill His call and ministry Paul realized that he needed to stay above the fray. So we read these kind of instructions and warnings to Timothy,
“But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness……Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity….Pay close attention to your life and your teaching.…good works are obvious, and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden…guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding irreverent, empty speech and contradictions from the “knowledge” that falsely bears that name.” (1 Timothy 4:7,12,15; 5:25; 6:20 HCSB)
With each revelation of the challenges to a pure conscious and sincere faith, Paul gives these and other types of encouragements and instructions to Timothy. He realized that if others were going “to make it” in the morass of controversies and spiritual mine fields, it was imperative for Timothy to know how to take care of himself.
That is often an overlooked aspect for the faithful believer as well as the spiritual leader. “Self-care” and knowing where to focus your attention and what to avoid, is critically important.
Prayer for Today… “Lord, I pray for pure faith and a good conscious to characterize Your people and especially spiritual leaders. We realize the attacks that come to “shipwreck” faith. Allow our focus to be on that which is directed by You and pleasing in Your sight. Thank you that You show the way to keep us in ‘paths of righteousness.'”