-October 22, 2021-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.”
(1 Timothy 1:5).
Paul, the spiritual father and mentor wrote to his spiritual son in the faith Timothy. The two of them had served the Lord together for quite a few years. Paul sent him to Ephesus where he served as pastor. This epistle, as well and 2 Timothy, give instructions to young Timothy on how to serve and conduct himself as a preacher, teacher, and pastor.
Today’s verse is so encouraging and teaches what is really important every time we hear the Word of God, whether we read it, hear it in a sermon or in a Bible study. It is God’s will that it affect us and produce action and change. It is not enough to fill our minds with mere head knowledge, it must be put into practice. Paul calls it, “The purpose of the commandment,” or as it may be translated “The goal of of our instruction.” The NLT renders this verse as, “The purpose of our instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith.”
Paul instructs us of three things that should result in our lives: love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.” God does not want to just inform us but to transform us. Martin Grier wrote, “The law of God is not to be kept in books, but in the midst of our hearts, that we may rightly understand the same, admire it, and observe it.” To know the Word, understand it, and to apply it to our lives is the purpose or goal for us.
• Love from a pure heart – In the NT, love is the key virtue. It is the first fruit mentioned in the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. It is called the law of love. Paul devotes an entire chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, to it. Our love for one another must spring from a pure heart. Paul wrote in Romans 12:9, “Let love be without hypocrisy…” There are very few things that are pure in this world. Our love is based on the love of Christ and should be 100% pure, undefiled, untainted, and us uncontaminated.
• A good conscience – It is so important to have a clear conscience. For so many who don’t know the Lord, their consciences gnaw at them by day and especially by night when they try to sleep. A clear conscience is our best pillow. Paul said in Acts 24:16, “This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.” What a worthy aim and ambition! Only Christians can attain it. Is your conscience quiet or is it chatty?
• A sincere faith – Our faith must be genuine, the real thing. Sincere or genuine faith operates optimally under all conditions favorable and unfavorable, good or bad, positive or negative. We must trust the Lord to help us through whatever we are facing. In fact, our faith grows best under trial. We should be honest in what we are going through and not try to dismiss it or down play it. This way we show our weakness, frailty, and vulnerability, as well as God’s love, power, and glory.
May God help us to learn, grow, and mature in Christ throughout our lives. God’s Word used by the Holy Spirit will result in holy lives. Let our love be pure, our conscience be clear, and our faith be sincere.
Have a blessed day in the Word and don’t forget the goal. Stay safe and healthy.
In His grace,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 