As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.

1 Timothy 1:3-4

In this text, Paul’s focus of concern is false teachers. Truth as a valued commodity is at risk in our cultures, whether explicitly or subtly. Interestingly, Paul labels these teachers in Ephesus as ‘false’ not just because of lies they may speak, but also because of their devotion to meaningless talk, causing controversy and a drifting from the things that really matter: namely love flowing from ‘a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith’ (5).

Paul urges Timothy not only to defend against a departure from sound doctrine but also to guard this ‘gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God’ (v 11). Paul is clear to Timothy concerning the necessary good use of the Law: to reveal to sinners their desperate condition and to find grace in the glorious gospel of Christ. May we rejoice that God has sent his Son to die for us and graciously put his Spirit within us in order that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us.’

CLOSING PRAYER: Mighty God, thank you for the gospel applied to my life. Give me your wisdom and strength to live it and declare it with truth and grace.

(A Summary from Encounter with God)