True Teachers

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Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:5-7 (NLT)

5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.

Devotion:

            Paul, in today’s post is speaking to his trusted disciple, and friend Timothy. As Paul makes clear, however, that this teaching is for all believers. In fact, the Greek word translated ‘instruction’ here is better translated as ‘command.’ Therefore, it is worth our time to examine this passage closely to know just what we are commanded to do and to be. The context of this scripture passage is a warning against false teachers. Let us seek to hear what Paul is saying to Timothy and the wider church here.

            In verse 5, Paul lays out the reason for his command. Paul, following Jesus, is commanding Christians to be filled with love. The kind of love that requires a renewed mind and body. He then states the pre-conditions for this kind of love. Paul states that “a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith are the background for the love he desires his readers to have for one another. These conditions can only be realized in a life given in service to God.

            Paul continues by laying out the way to recognize if someone is not following the path of love in teaching God’s word. First of all, they will miss the purpose of the Word. People will be engaged in discussions that do not build up the church, but rather promote arguments and divisions. These people want the title of teacher without having the qualities mentioned above. They put on a good show but always miss the mark with their teaching.

            This kind of deceptive teaching continues in the church to this day. This is one reason we have so many teachers who have become corrupt. They lack the love for God’s people required to have a pure heart, clear conscience, and a genuine faith. This results in a ministry that is compromised and ineffective in reaching the world for Christ. Let us then, seek to follow our Lord’s example and love one another even to the point of death. In doing so we will have the purity of heart necessary to see God. Let us pray.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, hear our cry to you today. Help us to be more faithful in loving the people who you bring into our lives today and every day. May we be bold to declare your love to this hurting and broken world. May our lives become symbols of hope for all to see. Teach us that we may teach others your perfect words of life. Glory be to you dear Father in Heaven. You have done wonderful things for your people. Amen. 

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