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.”

Verse 5: Paul highlights the purpose of his instruction, which is to cultivate love that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. In the New Covenant, our hearts have been made new, and we have been given a new nature in Christ. As believers, we are called to live out of this new heart, guided by the Holy Spirit, and express love towards others. Our love is not based on our own efforts, but it is a result of the transformation that has taken place within us.

Verse 6: Paul warns Timothy about individuals who have deviated from the message of love and have become entangled in meaningless debates and discussions. These individuals have lost sight of the central focus of the gospel, which is love. Instead, they have become preoccupied with trivial matters that do not contribute to the growth and edification of the body of Christ.

Verse 7: Paul identifies that these individuals have a desire to be teachers of the law. However, they lack a true understanding of what they are saying and the implications of their confident assertions. In the New Covenant, we are no longer under the law but under grace. The law has been fulfilled in Christ, and our righteousness comes through faith in him. These individuals are misguided in their teachings, failing to grasp the freedom and grace that we have in Christ.