1 Timothy 1:5-7
5 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. 6 Some people have strayed from these things and have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.”
The goal of our instruction: In contrast to the odd teachings present in the church (see 1 Timothy 1:1-4), Paul’s message was not about finding identity in earthly genealogies back to Abraham but in Christ. Those who are in Christ have an inborn, innate love to offer to fellow Christians and the world. Believers also have a good conscience because Jesus has completely removed all of our sins and planted his laws in our minds (see also Hebrews 8:8-12). We became beneficiaries of the finished work of Christ upon our sincere faith in Him.
Fruitless discussion: False teachers were propagating a false identity that is based on genealogical connection to Moses and Abraham. These people wanted to be teachers of the Old Covenant law and yet Paul makes it clear they did not understand it at all. This is the same apostle Paul who was an expert in the Old Covenant law and a pharisee of pharisees. We ought not be fooled by someone’s popularity or charisma. Instead, we should take captive every teaching to the simplicity of the Gospel of grace. Though God’s grace is incredibly deep the message of His grace is simple and straightforward.
