I.The to Timothy (1:3-4)
3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
Colossians 2:6-8 CSB
6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude. 8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
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II. The Purpose of Teaching (1:5-7)
5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
Galatians 5:6 CSB
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision accomplishes anything; what matters is faith working through love.
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III. The Use of the Law (1:8-11)
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
Why was the law given to Israel?
1. To reveal God’s holy character and standard.(Leviticus 19:2; Deuteronomy 4:5-6)
2. To set Israel apart as a distinct nation. (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 28:1)
3. To reveal the sinfulness of humanity. (Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:19)
4. To act as a guardian or tutor until Christ. (Galatians 3:23-25)
5.To provide a framework for a relationship with God and community. (Exodus 20-23; Leviticus 1-7, 23)
6.To foreshadow the coming of Christ. (Hebrews 9-10; Colossians 2:17)
Galatians 3:10-11 CSB
10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed. 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because the righteous will live by faith.
Romans 5:20 CSB
20 The law came along to multiply the trespass. But where sin multiplied, grace multiplied even more.
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The church must discern and reject false teachings, rooted in a proper understanding of God’s Word,
to maintain sound doctrine and foster genuine Christian love.
Community Life Group Questions
1 Timothy 1:3-11
- Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus despite potential difficulties. What are some reasons why someone in ministry today might feel like giving up or leaving their post? How can this passage encourage those facing such challenges?
- The passage describes those who have “swerved from these” and “wandered away into vain discussion.” What does it look like for someone to “swerve” from the core truths of the faith? How can these seemingly harmless discussions become “vain” and unproductive?
- Galatians 5:6 emphasizes “faith working through love.” How does this verse connect with the aim of true teaching described in 1 Timothy 1:5? How can we discern if our faith is truly working through love?
- How does a strong foundation in God’s Word equip believers to identify and resist false doctrines? What are some ways to deepen our knowledge and understanding of Scripture?
- How can we pray for you?