The Aim of Our Charge
Paul was concerned with certain teachings that were infiltrating the church at Ephesus. He instructed Timothy to dispell these teachings by charging the certain persons in what they were saying. Here's how Paul told Timothy to behave towards these people: 1. First and foremost was love. Beyond anything else Timothy needed to remember to approach the situation lovingly and out of a deep longing to see the truth about Christ revealed. Until the people that were being falsely led saw that Timothy's coming against them was out of love for their souls, they would not respond properly and cease their spreading of false doctrine. 2. Secondly, Paul reminded Timothy that this love would emanate from a pure heart. A pure heart is a heart like Christ's; one that is not self-seeking but rather strains for one thing, which is to see God properly displayed. 3. Third; in order for Timothy to properly charge the false teachings for what they were he needed to first know the truth. A good conscience was necessary to refute any teaching contradictory to God's word, and a good conscience comes from godly wisdom. 4. Finally, a sincere faith is always necessary when it comes down to having to help others see the insincerities in theirs. If Timothy was to help others know the truth, his faith was going to need to be above reproach. That doesn't mean that Timothy needed to be perfect in his faith, just transparent.
What if we all took Paul's advice on confronting doctrinal irregularities in the church, what would happen? My guess is that there would be less confusion about the mission and purpose of the church and a greater sense of clarity amongst God's people on some issues that a lot of us sometimes lack.
God, grant me a love that comes from a desire to have a pure heart before You, a heart like Jesus, that seeks to exalt Your name and spread Your praise. Open my eyes to the insincerities of my faith and give me godly wisdom and good conscience according to Your Word.
Created 6 months ago
