This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope. I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace. When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. We know that the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, (editors note: some translations say: sodomite and kidnappers) liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
1 Timothy 1:1-11 NLT
It is important to finish what we started, and finish well. The last three letters of Paul (1-2 Timothy and Titus) are known as the “Pastoral Epistles.” They are personal letters written to pastors. In them Paul focuses on passing on his ministry and finishing his life well. At the end of Acts, Paul was under house arrest in Rome. Church history tells us he was released and (possibly) went to Spain as he had planned (Romans 15:24). After that trip, he returned to the churches he had planted in Macedonia and sent Timothy to Ephesus (Asia Minor) because of some false teaching that had grown there. Paul wanted to move into new regions and spread the gospel, but he needed to make sure that his work would not be undone by people who were twisting God’s Word because they wanted to feel like important teachers. Paul sent Timothy this letter to continue what he had started. He wanted to finish well.
The false teaching centered on hidden knowledge for the chosen few. Paul spoke against this, highlighting how people wasted time debating myths, hidden knowledge, and spiritual pedigrees. Knowing the hidden teaching made one more significant than others. But the truth of Christ is not hidden – it has been revealed for all to see. Following Jesus does not lead to arrogance, but a pure heart and genuine faith. Even in Paul's day, people were taking the truth of Christianity and mixing it in with pride, selfishness, and excluding others. Unfortunately, this still happens today. The closer we draw to Christ, the more humble, gentle, and loving and strong we become.
What steps can you take to remain vigilant against false teachings, and why is this crucial? How can you ensure you stay committed to your faith and finish well?
