I Timothy 1:4-5

The problem with false doctrine is that it not only takes a person out of the way, it takes down his moral and ethical education. It begins to take his spiritual level down, and with it goes his conscience. Things that maybe at one time in his life he never would have permitted, he begins to adjust to, and slowly but surely they begin to be something that is acceptable.

I Timothy 1:4-5 Nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment [The intention here is not the Ten Commandments, but the charge rather that is given to the ministry, and in this case probably went from the apostle Paul to Timothy] is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.

The goal of this command is to love from a pure heart. That means without ulterior motives, from a good conscience, and sincere faith. It is highly likely that the apostle Paul put them in this order—the pure heart, the good conscience, and sincere faith—because that is the progression that usually takes place in a person's mind. First the heart, the seat of the intellect, the mind, the feelings, has to be affected. If the heart accepts the truth, then the conscience begins to follow.

Then what does faith do? It puts it into action, but what does it produce? It produces love. Love is always the goal. Paul shows a natural progression here, and this is the highest goal of the true religion. This is love that is totally unselfish in its loyalty to God, and also filled with boundless goodwill to our fellow man.

Paul is counseling Timothy in regard to the purpose of preaching. The purpose of preaching is practical. There are some translations that translate this "the stewardship of a minister." The purpose for the stewardship is always to lead to things that are practical, not speculative. He is counseling Timothy then to not get involved in these technical disputes because they are going to be occupying the mind in nothing more than a dangerous fad.

Remember that II Timothy 3 tells of these people arguing about endless genealogies and so forth. You will find this theme running through almost all the apostles' writings. It begins with Paul and it ends with the book of Jude, but the last to write about it was John. When we put these things together, Paul counsels Timothy to conform to the only way that will produce and maintain love among Christians.

If a man knows that his doings are in harmony with his law, or his ideal, then it is very likely that his conscience is going to be clear. It is going to be good, and that is good, because that is what God wants.

I Timothy 1:4-6

Please turn with me to I Timothy 1, verse 4. Energy is wasted through pointless conversation and silly arguments, which the Internet seems to foster. Have you ever considered that idle talk is a loveless act? Warnings are given to us in Scripture concerning this, and Timothy here gives us some very strong advice.

The original term translated as idle talk in verse 6 of the New King James Version, and vain janglings of the King James Version, the authorized version, means empty or vain talking, means useless, not benefiting anyone, just rambling on. So these are discussions that are of no value. A great many words and little sense; senselessly waxing eloquent; and foolish opinions not worth hearing.

I Timothy 1:3-6

Paul is telling Timothy here to command those who are teaching false doctrine to stop the fables and the endless genealogies. They do not edify. He says the purpose or the goal is to have a pure heart and faith and a good conscience from God. That is what God wants from us. He wants us to love and have faith and have a good conscience. Paul wanted Timothy to expand the horizons. He told him to stop and think of what God wanted from him. In verse 6 and 7, we can see quite a few did not do it.