We in the church sometimes loses our sight on what God wants His church to be. God wants His church to be a pillar and support of the truth of God. Every leader in every local church must have a very serious and real responsibility to be sure that the purity of truth and doctrines are being accurately taught.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CHURCH LEADERS IS TO SEE TO IT THAT TRUE DOCTRINE IS TAUGHT AND NEEDS TO REBUKE AND SILENCE THOSE WHO PROMOTES ERRONEOUS DOCTRINES.

The superintendence of Timothy of the church at Ephesus was being a temporary overseer, or locum tenens for the Apostle. (Locum tenens is a Latin phrase that means "to hold the place of, to substitute for.") In other words, Timothy was a temporary overseer as a substitute to the place of an apostle. Thus, the office at Ephesus and the office at Crete (Titus 1:5), because of the absence of the presiding apostle, this temporary superintendence of the church became a permanent institution on the removal, due by death of the apostles who heretofore superintended the churches. The first title of these overseers was “angels” (Revelation 1:20 “The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.”)

Notice in verse 3 Paul said, “As I besought”. In about sixty places this word has the sense of “beseech,” “entreat,” “desire,” “pray” which is more suitable to this passage. Now the word “besought” or “urge” (in NASB, ESV) is one that refers to appealing to a person to do something in a very cheerful, encouraging and comforting way. Paul strongly and positively encouraged Timothy to remain in Ephesus as the teacher, but he did not demand it.

Paul said, “I besought” is a mild word, instead of authoritative command to Timothy as fellow helper. Paul treat Timothy with respect as a fellow servant in the Lord.

Paul beseech Timothy “thee to abide.” It means to add in his instruction, the statement renders “so I still beseech thee.” But it does not complete the sentence until virtually, not formally, at I Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;”.

Paul besought or urges Timothy to abide or stay on “at Ephesus.” Paul himself had stayed in Ephesus and had personally taught the people for three years (Acts 20:31). Here, Paul urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus in order to give instruction to the church. Now Ephesus was at one time a strong church. Ephesus was a great city in Asia the Less, whither Paul came, (Acts 19:1 “Paul…came to Ephesus”); where Demetrius raised a tumult against Paul, which the town clerk appeased, as we read there. From thence he went into Macedonia, Acts 20:1-3 “And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. ²And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, ³And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.”. Upon this Paul motion into Macedonia he left Timothy at Ephesus.

We see then that Paul declared to the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:25 “I know that ye all…shall see my face no more.” As the arguments favor, this letter was written subsequently to Paul’s first imprisonment, the meaning of Paul’s prophecy was, not that he should never visit Ephesus again (which this verse 3 implies he did), but Paul meant that they all should see his face no more. Timothy had been anxious to go with Paul in returning to Macedonia, to share his labors and wait upon Paul, but Paul persuaded Timothy to abide at Ephesus. The words tell us that Timothy was already at Ephesus when he received the request from the Apostle Paul to stay on there instead of going to Macedonia. The intention of the apostle seems to be that Timothy should continue for a while or signify continuance for some time only at Ephesus, and not accompany Paul in his voyage to return to Macedonia, as he was wont to do upon other occasions. In other words, it is evident by the sacred history, that about six months after Timothy was with the apostle in Greece, that he went with him at first time to Macedonia, and Troas, and Miletus, Acts 20:1,4, where the apostle sent for the elders or bishops of Ephesus, to leave Paul’s last solemn charge with them. This church had good elders in it who were committed to truth, to God, and to Paul (Acts 20:17-20, 28, 32, 36-38).

So when Paul besought Timothy to remain at Ephesus, it was with great reluctance, and through hard necessity, that he parted with a companion so dearly beloved and so faithful, in order that he might laboriously hold the part of his deputy, which no other man would have been competent to fill; and, therefore, Timothy must have been powerfully excited by this consideration, not only not to throw away his time, but to conduct himself in an excellent and distinguished manner.

When Paul urged Timothy in verse 3, “that thou mightest charge some.” “charge” is a word implying authority, almost invariably rendered “command.” Paul wishes to arm Timothy with power to forbids and restrain others. That word “charge” (KJV, ESV), “instruct” (NASB) is important for it has to do with transmitting messages in a military-type of command and order way. Paul wanted Timothy teaching God’s Word with a high-ranking military kind of authority. The church is to preach and teach God’s Word with authority. There ought to be an authoritative ring to the Word of God. People ought to sense this is God’s truth, these are His commands and these are His orders. It was some time after the first imprisonment at Rome, Paul must have left Timothy behind at Ephesus while Paul pursued his journey towards Macedonia, and given Timothy the solemn charge here, “that thou mightiest charge some.”

The word “some” refers to slightly contemptuous. Therefore, we must not ignore few heretical doctrines attacking inside the church. Now the target of the instruction was to be “certain men” or “some men.” There were “certain” ones, there were “some” in the church that were very problematic: 1) Some had strayed from the truth (I Timothy 1:6); 2) Some were shipwrecked in their faith (I Timothy1:19); 3) Some were being seduced by demons (I Timothy 4:1); and 4) Some were following Satan (I Timothy 5:15). They were not right with God, they did not know God’s doctrines or truth and Timothy was to spot them, stifle them and stop them!

The false teachers who are disturbing the Church at Ephesus are not named, but probably the names were designedly omitted by Paul in this letter, which was intended to be a public document. The chief superintendent of the community in Ephesus, doubtless, knew too well who were the mistaken men referred to.

The leaders of the local church should not treat like a baby those who drifted away from teaching the pure Word of God and doctrine inside the church. The leaders of the church must shut up and stop these erroneous teachers from teaching doctrines contrary to the Scriptures.

I - ASSIGNMENT OF PAUL'S INSTRUCTION TO TIMOTHY - v.3-4

A. Goal of the Instruction to Timothy – v.3b-4a

1. To Restrain the teaching of false doctrines - v.3b

I Timothy 1:3b “that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”

I Timoteo 1:3b “na iyong atasan ang ilang tao na huwag magturo ng ibang aral,” FILIPINO VERSION

Paul in verse 3 besought Timothy to charge some “that they teach no other doctrine.” Paul is saying “Timothy charge some to teach no other doctrine than I have thought. Let them put nothing in the place of it, add nothing to it.”

This other doctrine is just a formed of teacher’s different opinion not the right doctrine. The words “that they teach no other doctrine” this is one of the many words’ peculiar to the pastoral Epistles. It only occurs here and I Timothy 6:3. The wprds “other doctrine” in KJV, NKJV; “strange doctrines” NASB; “different doctrine” ESV, are words that literally men were teaching things which were different from what was true and sound and Pauline. In fact, the same word is translated “different doctrine” in I Timothy 6:3 NASB, ESV. The words “teach no other doctrines”, that is other than the truth. That means, none contrary to what Paul had preached, and none contrary to the doctrine of the gospel, Galatians 1:8,9 “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ⁹As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” In this command given to Timothy to oppose the false teachers who corrupted pure doctrine, as Timothy occupy the place of Paul at Ephesus, we observed the holy anxiety of the Apostle Paul, because while he labored so much to collect many churches, he did not leave the former churches destitute of a pastor. Strange or different doctrines are not to be tolerated; they are to be eliminated. If it isn’t true to the Word, it doesn’t belong in the church. Paul wants Timothy to warn, stop and silence these erroneous teachers to “teach no other doctrine” than what Paul have taught (Galatians 6:12 “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ”; Jude 1:4 “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.”). Paul prophetic bodings years before (Acts 20:29-30 “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. ³⁰Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.”) were now being realized (I Timothy 6:3 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”).

When the Apostle and his disciple Timothy re-visited Ephesus, after the long Caesarean and Roman imprisonment, they found the Church there distracted with questions raised by Jewish teachers. There are curious and small division of interpretation of the Mosaic law, even the teaching concerning the tithing of mint and anise and cumin, which in the days of Jesus of Nazareth all real spiritual life in Jerusalem were paralyzed, so these false Jewish teachers had found its way during the Apostle’s long enforced absence into the restless, ever-changing congregations at Ephesus. There are controversies that are dangerous, disputing about old prophecies, mixed with modern traditions, all of these views and situation get the attention of many of the Christian teachers. The Jewish teaches preferred to talk about theology rather than to live the life, as Paul already told them that the followers of Jesus must live like Christ if they claim they were truly Christ’s servant. If these deadening influences were not removed, the faith of the Ephesian Church threatened to become utterly impractical or don’t live Christlikeness. The doctrine of these erroneous Jewish teachers which Paul bitterly condemns seems were heretical but unprofitable teaching which arises mainly if not entirely based from Jewish sources.

2. To Restrain the focusing on nonsense discussions – v.4a

I Timothy 1:4a “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies,”

I Timoteo 1:4a “ni huwag bigyang-pansin ang mga alamat at walang katapusang talaan ng lahi,” FILIPINO VERSION

Not only Paul in verse 3 commanded Timothy to charge those erroneous Jewish teachers not to teach other different doctrine which only teachers’ opinion, but also in verse 4 Paul commanded Timothy to charge some that they should not give heed to “fables.” The word “fables” KJV, or “myth” NASB, ESV refers to fictitious narratives and fables which are not true. These fables are the incipient Gnostic legends (alamat) about the origin and propagation of angels, as at Colosse (Colossians 2:18 “Let no man beguile you…in…worshipping of angels”). Rather, they were not doubt, purely Rabbinical, they were Jewish fables (Titus 1:14 “Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”). Also, they were “profane and old wives fables” (I Timothy 4:7 “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness”; II Timothy 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”). The prevalence of sorcery among the Jews at this time is a further instance of their inclination to fable (see Acts 8:9; Acts 13:6; Acts 19:13).

In verse 4, Paul is commanded to Timothy to charge some not to devote themselves or pay attention to myths or fables but also not pay attention to endless genealogies. The “endless genealogies” may refer to the Gnostic heresy of ridiculous genealogies between God and man. This “genealogies” not merely the genealogies common among the Jews, tracing their descent from the patriarchs, but Gnostic genealogies of spirits and aeons or emanations. The Judaizers here, while they are maintaining the obligation of the Mosaic law, joined with it a theosophic ascetic tendency, as they are pretending to see in it mysteries deeper than others. The seeds not the full-grown Gnosticism of the post apostolic age, then existed. And this formed the transition between Judaism and Gnosticism. [NOTE: Gnosticism (pronounced NOS tuh siz um) was a second-century religious movement claiming that salvation could be gained through a special form of secret knowledge. Early Christian church fathers such as Origen, Tertullian, Justin Martyr and Eusebius of Caesarea condemned gnostic teachers and beliefs as heretical. Gnosticism Definition. The term Gnosticism is derived from the Greek word gnosis, meaning "to know" or "knowledge." This knowledge is not intellectual but mythical and comes through a special revelation by Jesus Christ, the Redeemer, or through his apostles. The secret knowledge reveals the key to salvation.] That is why Paul here instructed Timothy to warn those certain persons not to pay attention to endless genealogies.

Paul described “endless” genealogies. “Endless” implies their tedious unprofitableness (Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”). The Holy Scriptures opposes to their aeons the King of the aeons to whom be glory throughout the aeons of aeons. The word aeons means timeless, eternal, forever and it was used here for “the only wise God” (I Timothy 1:17 “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”) and the word “aeons” not used in the technical Gnostic sense, and this has no connection on their endless gnosticism.

B. Grounds of Timothy to stop unbiblical teaching - v.4a -4b

1. To stop unbiblical teaching promotes useless speculation – v.4a

I Timothy 1:4 “which minister questions.”

I Timoteo 1:4 “na nagiging sanhi ng mga haka-haka” FILIPINO VERSION

Paul said in verse 4 “which minister questions” in KJV or “which give rise to mere speculation” NASB or “which promote speculations” ESV. In fact, the words “minister” or “give rise” indicate that nonsense teaching supplies and furnishes nothing more than opportunities for useless disputes. Those different opinions or other doctrine of Jewish heretic teachers, including fables and endless genealogies of spirits can rise speculations, disputing’s, questions on useless and endless controversies, inquiries (Example: Governor Festus was wishing to do the Jews a favor but Festus does not know why these people want to kill Paul, and when Paul was under the investigation, Governor Festus said: Acts 25:20 “And because I doubted of such manner of questions”), which could not possibly have any bearing on practical life, and thus generating merely curious discussions. The word “which” in the statement of “which minister questions” or “which give rise to mere speculation” or “which promote speculations.” in Greek is [haitines (G3748)] means “inasmuch as they” or “Whosoever, whichsoever, whatsoever, anyone who” Therefore, Anyone, whosoever teaches different doctrines, which includes myth, and endless genealogies, that rises question and speculations must be stop or silence by Timothy for the sake of the local church: I Timothy 6:4 “He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,”; II Timothy 2:14 “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.” ; II Timothy 2:23 “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”). These people who used to have “vain jangling” would want to be “teachers of the law.” (Paul instructed Timothy to be careful and warns false teachings: I Timothy 1:6-7 “From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; ⁷Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”; I Timoteo 1:6-7 “Ang ilan ay lumihis mula rito at bumaling sa walang kabuluhang pag-uusap, ⁷na nagnanais na maging mga guro ng kautusan, gayong hindi nila nauunawaan ang kanilang sinasabi, maging ang mga bagay na kanilang buong tiwalang pinaninindigan.” FILIPINO VERSION

2. To stop unbiblical teaching promotes God’s stewardship – v.4b

The word administration is one that refers to a stewardship in the household of God. False, meaningless doctrine does not build up the household of God in the faith. Fables do not strengthen faith. God's truth is what strengthens faith as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Only by true instruction and sound doctrine, that the church of God become strong in the faith.

I Timothy 1:4b “rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”

I Timoteo 1:4b “sa halip ng pagsasanay na mula sa Diyos na nakikilala sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.” FILIPINO VERSION

As Paul commanded Timothy to stop or silence those Jewish teachers in teaching other doctrines, neither give attention to Jewish fables, and endless genealogies of eternal spirits which rise useless and endless speculations, then Paul said “rather than godly edifying” which in Latin vulgate, the rendering of the reading “rather than the dispensation of God.” The dispensation [oikonomian (G3622)] of God. The dispensation of God translated “administration of God” in NASB or “stewardship from God” in ESV. Paul is saying that God’s administration or God stewardship is edifying which is in faith. The Gospel dispensation originating from God toward man (I Corinthians 9:17 “a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.”), which is in faith (its element). The dispensation of God could be rendered stewardship of God which indicates that the false teachers in Ephesians were Presbyters which accords with prophecy, (Acts 20:30 “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them”; I Corinthians 4:14-16 “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. ¹⁵For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. ¹⁶Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.”).

This is Paul’s assignment of instruction to Timothy to give to the church to restrain the false doctrines, including false fables, Gnosticism which rise more endless and useless controversies and questions. Rather, everything in the church that includes doctrines, preaching, teaching, discipleship must be through God’s administration or stewardship from God for the edification which is in faith. False, nonsense, meaningless doctrine does not build up the household of God in the faith. Fables do not strengthen faith. God’s truth is what strengthen faith as faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Only by true instruction and sound doctrine. that the church of God will become strong in the faith.

. . . . TO BE CONTINUED - Part 2 . . . (September 26, 2021)

II – AIM OF PAUL’S INTRUCTION TO THE CHURCH – v.5

I Timothy 1:5 " Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:"

I Timoteo 1:5 "Subalit ang layunin ng aming tagubilin ay pag-ibig na nagmumula sa malinis na puso at sa mabuting budhi at sa pananampalatayang hindi pakunwari." FILIPINO VERSION

Paul said in verse 5 “Now” in Greek “But,” Paul is speaking in contrast to the unedifying doctrine he previously said in (I Timothy 1:3-4 “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, ⁴Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”).

Paul said in verse 5 “Now the end”, The Greek word should be translated “But the end.” Paul meant the aim.

Paul is talking “the end of the commandment” [Commandment here used in Greek parangelias (G3852) which rather signifies a particular charge given by superiors as to something, than a general law, Acts 5:28, Acts 16:24]. It is rather here to be restrained to the commandment relating to preaching, or discoursing the revealed will of God relating to men's salvation. When Paul says “the end of the commandment,” it did not refer to the famous commandments of the Law of Moses. The word “commandment” here may be paraphrased in this place by “practical teaching.” Practical teaching and preaching is what Timotheus need to enforce at Ephesus. Paul emphasizes the aim of the charge, that is the same charge as in I Timothy 1:3 “that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”; I Timothy 1:18 “This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee…”; and this including the gospel dispensation of God (I Timothy 1:4 “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”; I Timothy 1:11 “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.”). The sum and substance of the “charge” which is practical and preceptive teaching is committed to Timothy wherewith to “charge” his flock.

Paul is saying “the end of the commandment is charity” Charity is LOVE. it means the aim of the commandment or the purpose of the charge is love. Though Timothy must resist and oppose these Jewish false teachers with all courage and firmness, still Timothy must not forget what was the real end, the aim, the purpose of all Christian teaching, which, the Apostle Paul reminds him, is Love. Because of the heretic Jewish teacher’s strange doctrines, Jewish fables, and Gnosticism unbiblical teachings which only led to disputation and speculations, thus Paul here contrasts that by healthy practical teaching charge to Timothy with the aim of which was love or charity. That love, or broad, comprehensive charity, towards men, so nobly described in 1 Corinthians 13.

The sum and aim of the law and Gospel are alike, that is wherein the Gospel fulfills the spirit of the law in its essential tittle (Romans 13:10 “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”).

The foundation is faith (I Timothy 1:4 “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”).

The “end” or aim of the law is love (I Timothy 1:14 “And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”; TAGALOG VERSION “at labis na sumagana sa akin ang biyaya ng ating Panginoon na may pananampalataya at pag-ibig na na kay Cristo Jesus.”; Titus 3:15 “ All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.”; TAGALOG VERSION “Binabati ka ng lahat ng mga kasama ko. Batiin mo ang mga umiibig sa atin sa pananampalataya.”); whereas the question or speculations that comes from strange doctrines, fables and Gnosticism unbiblical teachings led to strife in the church (II Timothy 2:23 “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.”; TAGALOG VERSION “Iwasan mo ang mga usapang walang kabuluhan at hangal, yamang nalalaman mo na namumunga ang mga ito ng mga away.”).

Tue Bible teaching or preaching from the Word of God is not given just kill time but it is given to change hearts.

The word “aim” or “goal” refers to a period of time which is at the final end. What is the final destiny when it comes to teaching and preaching of the Word of God?

A. The Aim is Charity out of a pure heart – v.5a

I Timothy 1:5a "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart"

I Timoteo 1:5 “Subalit ang layunin ng aming tagubilin ay pag-ibig na nagmumula sa malinis na puso” FILIPINO VERSION

The phrase end of the commandment is translated “the aim of our charge” ESV; “the goal of our instruction” NASB.

The aim of the charge is love, and according to Paul in verse 5 it is a love “out of a pure heart.” This love or charity which is the purpose of practical preaching and teaching emanates only from “a pure heart:” That is a heart free from selfish desires and evil passions. The Lord Jesus Christ said in His sermon on the mount that the “pure in heart” alone, shall enjoy the joyful, blissful seeing the presence of God (Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”). Out of a pure heart on which love to God and men must proceed from a clean, and holy, and sincere heart. The word “out of” describes springing as from a fountain. The word “pure” is one that speaks of something God regarded as ceremonially clean and pure. And the words “pure heart” means a love that is purified by faith, so it is an heart purified by faith (Luke 10:27 “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself”; Acts 15:9 “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith”; 2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”; 1 Peter 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently”). The heart is the center of the feelings and the imagination of the soul.

Paul charge Timothy in Ephesus not only to preach the Word of God out of a pure heart but also to teach the Word of God that is designed to clean up hearts and minds of the hearers. The Word of God has a pure, cleansing effect and is able to wash one completely clean in the sight of God. (Ephesians 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”).

B. The Aim is Charity out of a good conscience. 1:5b

I Timothy 1:5b “and of a good conscience”

I Timoteo 1:5b “at sa mabuting budhi.” FILIPINO VERSION

This "Charity" not only out of a pure heart but must also spring from a conscience without the load of guilt, and spring from a conscience sprinkled with the precious blood, and so reconciled to God.

Paul is saying that contrary to the strange heretical doctrine and unbiblical teaching that cannot edify the faith in the church, he said that the aim of the practical and biblical teaching is love, that is a love out from a pure heart but also comes “of a good conscience” which means cleared from guilt by sound faith in Christ (Acts 23:1 “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.”; 1 Timothy 3:9 “Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.”; 2 Timothy 1:3 “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;” ; 1 Peter 3:16 “Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.”; 1 Peter 3:21 “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:” ; Hebrews 13:18 “Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.”). John uses “heart” where Paul uses “conscience.” In Paul the understanding is the seat of conscience, and the heart of love. A good conscience is joined with sound faith; a bad conscience, with unsound faith (Hebrews 9:9 “Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;”; Hebrews 9:14 “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”). Conscience is threefold-an exponent of moral law, a judge, and a sentiment.

The Apostle Paul was a man who was legitimately able to say, “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). A good conscience is an inner mindset that, before God is good, clean and untainted. It is a conscience that knows the life constant and faithful with the Word of God.

C. The Aim is Charity out of unfeigned faith. 1:5c

I Timothy 1:5c “and of faith unfeigned:”

I Timoteo 1:5c “at sa pananampalatayang hindi pakunwari.” FILIPINO VERSION

Notice the words in later part of verse 5 says, “and of faith unfeigned:” The words “faith unfeigned” is translated in NASB, ESV “sincere faith.” The root of this charity is the faith unfeigned. The aim or purpose of the practical teaching of sound doctrine and of the gospel preached by the Apostles must be sought in “faith unfeigned,” or “sincere faith” in a faith that consist in something more than in a few high-sounding words, which claim to a sure confidence that is not felt. The unfeigned faith or sincere faith of Paul is a faith rich in works rather than in words. Without this unfeigned faith, that is so real where its fruit are ever manifest, there can be no good conscience. And without this good conscience washed by the precious blood, there can be no pure heart. The error of the Jewish teachers of whom Timothy was warned, consisted not so much in false doctrines as in an utter neglect of the necessity of a pure, self-denying life. These Jewish teachers preferred curious questions and speculative inquiries to the simple gospel teaching which led men to live an earnest, loving life.

After Paul charge Timothy to forbids and should remove those strange heretical doctrine and unbiblical teaching of some Jewish teachers that unedifying the faith in the church except by God’s stewardship or God’s administration, Paul now said that the aim of the preaching and biblical teaching is love, a love out from a pure heart and cleared from guilt by sound faith in Christ. In verse 5, not only the aim of the practical teaching and preaching is love out of pure heart, and cleared from guilt but also of “faith unfeigned.” The unfeigned faith or a sincere faith is faith that is real, true, honest, and unhypocritical; but God will only classify the faith as pure and true if it is based on instruction from His Word. The faith unfeigned is the faith that is not hypocritical and unfruitful, but faith working by love (Galatians 5:6 “For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.”). Therefore, the unfeigned faith here is said of love in Romans 12:9 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”; that is brother love in I Peter 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” it is the wisdom from above in James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Faith is feigned where there is not “good conscience.” The false teachers drew men off from a loving, working, real faith, to profitless, speculative “questions” that led to disputations (I Timothy 1:4 “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.”).

The loving, working unfeigned faith were just the opposite “of corrupt minds.” in I Timothy 6:5 “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”; the unfeigned faith were also the opposite of conscience seared in I Timothy 4:2 “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”; the unfeigned faith also the opposite of unbelieving in Titus 1:15 “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”; the unfeigned faith also the opposite of reprobate concerning the faith in II Timothy 3:8 “Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.”; Hebrews 3:12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

. . . . TO BE CONTINUED - Part 3 . . . (October 10, 2021)

III – ASSESSMENT OF PAUL ABOUT SOME IN THE CHURCH – v.6- 7

I Timothy 1:6-7 "From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;⁷Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."

I Timoteo 1:6-7 “Ang ilan ay lumihis mula rito at bumaling sa walang kabuluhang pag-uusap, ⁷na nagnanais na maging mga guro ng kautusan, gayong hindi nila nauunawaan ang kanilang sinasabi, maging ang mga bagay na kanilang buong tiwalang pinaninindigan.” FILIPINO VERSION

A. Deviation from the truth – v. 6a

I Timothy 1:6a “From which some having swerved.”

I Timoteo 1:6a “Ang ilan ay lumihis mula rito.” FILIPINO VERSION

The word “swerved” or “straying” (NASB) means to miss the mark.

Some in the church were missing the real truth of the Word of God. Some in the church had strayed from the truth.

The words in verse 6, “From which” is referring namely from a pure heart, good conscience and faith unfeigned, the well spring of love that was mentioned in verse 5.

The Paul said those some “having swerved” from a pure heart, good conscience, and faith unfeigned, [in Greek astocheesantes (G795), which means having missed the mark (the “end”) to be aimed at, namely “love.” The word “having swerved” in verse 6 translated “erred” (I Timothy 6:21 “Which some professing have erred concerning the faith”; II Timothy 2:18 “Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.”). The word “swerved” or “straying” only found here in the New Testament.

B. Discussions that were fruitless – v. 6b

I Timothy 1:6b “have turned aside unto vain jangling.”

I Timoteo 1:6b “at bumaling sa walang kabuluhang pag-uusap.” FILIPINO VERSION

Some of the church services in Ephesus were meaningless in the sight of God. In fact, the Greek words “fruitless discussion” (NASB) or “vain discussion” (ESV), literally means empty words. From man’s perspective these church discussions were scholarly; but from God’s perspective they were empty. Some in the church had turned to discussions that were fruitless.

Instead of aiming right, and attaining “love,” according to verse 6, they “have turned aside unto vain jangling” (1 Timothy 5:15 “For some are already turned aside after Satan”; 2 Timothy 4:4 “And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”; Hebrews 12:13 “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”), only here but not found elsewhere in the New Testament.

The words in verse 6 “vain jangling” [in Greek mataiologian (G3150), means 'vain talk]. Talking of all vanities, none are more vain than dry, empty disputes on the things of God. Some of these Jewish teachers have missed the mark of the true aim of the charge that is at love, they have turned aside unto vain, empty talking, about the law and genealogies, which could lead to nothing except wranglings and angry disputations. (I Timothy 1:7 “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”; Titus 1:10 “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:”; Titus 3:9 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”; I Timothy 6:20 “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called.”). It is really the greatest vanity when things about God are not truthfully discussed (Romans 1:21 “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”).

This sentence in verse 6, “From which some having swerved have turned aside” is rendered more accurately “From which some, having gone wide in aim, have turned themselves aside.” These words seem to tell us that these teachers had once been in the right direction, but had not kept in it; indeed, from the voice of Paul’s direction to Timothy it is clear that these people having swerved not only had been, but were still regarded among the Christian congregations of the Ephesian Church. The presiding presbyter appointed by Paul could have exercised no possible authority over any not regarded or considered in the Church’s pale. That is why these teachers are hindrance and burden of Paul to the growth of the Ephesian Church.

C. Desires to be teachers of what they did not know – v. 7

I Timothy 1:7 “Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.”

I Timoteo 1:7 “na nagnanais na maging mga guro ng kautusan, gayong hindi nila nauunawaan ang kanilang sinasabi, maging ang mga bagay na kanilang buong tiwalang pinaninindigan.” FILIPINO VERSION

Some in the church of Ephesus wanted to base their wisdom on the subject of the Law, but actually they had no idea how the Law related to New Testament Grace Age theological doctrine. Some in the church wanted to teach what they did not know.

The church is to be a pillar and support of the Truth of the Living God. The church should not be regarded to be some intellectual entertainment hall for a free-for-all emotional nonsense programs.

These some Jewish teachers not only has a strange doctrine, but in verse 7 they were also “desiring to be teachers of the law,” The word “Desiring” means they were desiring that they would be teachers, though they really were not. The Judaizers in the letters of Paul to the Galatians and Romans made the works of the law necessary to justification, in opposition to Gospel grace of salvation. These are some who were had been Jews, who either pressed the observance of the law in order to be justified, or they spent their time in pressing the traditions of the elders, and constitution of the scribes as hedges to the Divine law of God, though not of the letter of it, on which upon there are arose a great many questions as insignificant as their old traditions themselves, which these vain preachers spent their time in teaching. In our passage in the Epistle of I Timothy, these Judaizers here corrupted the law by adding “fables” on it, these teachers were subversive of morals as well as truth. The error of the Jewish false teachers was not in maintaining the obligation of the law, but by being ignorant of the law by abusing the law with their fabulous and immoral interpretations. They are not teachers of God’s truth. They were desiring to be teachers of the Jewish law (Titus 1:14; Titus 3:8). They desire to acquire the respect and influence, so they want people in the church to acknowledge them as teachers of the Law of Moses, but these men utterly failed to understand the real spiritual meaning of the Law which they pretended to teach. There are also some similar pretenders in a neighboring Church, some years later, received a tough rebuke for such pretensions from another Apostle which is John. The Apostle John wrote to the Christian of Smyrna, “I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Revelation 2:9). They desire to be teachers but they are really not teachers of truth.

Again, in verse 7, the phrase “Understanding neither what they say, nor whereof” means these erroneous Jewish teachers neither understanding their own asseverations nor the objective about which they make their own theological views. Understanding nothing the very things they speak, nor the subject they speak of. These false erroneous teachers do not understand the Divine law, nor the questions themselves started and spoke unto, yet they are proud and ambitious to be accounted teachers of the law. A wise teacher must understand what he teaches, and must, at the same time, be clear in his own mind that what he teaches is true. They vainly desire to have reputation, as persons who have excellent skill in their church and community, that was the cause of their erroneous, idle sermons, and their ignorance becomes more serious and inexcusable, as they presuming with boldness to teach the things of which they ignorantly know nothing about. In our modern time, some of the false religious teachers studied and pickup the teachings of several false religious teachers from several false religious groups and unknowingly copied the unbiblical beliefs of some heretics authors of dangerous books, and some of these false preachers and teachers are proud to speak in television, radio, facebook live preaching, and youtube live streaming video to influence and deceived lots of innocent people around the globe. They appeared to be true but they are Satan's deadly spiritual weapons.

May God help us not to lose our sight on what God wants His church to be. God’s church is a pillar and support of the truth of God, and every leader in every local church must have this great responsibility to teach accurately God’s truth and must be responsible to rebuke and silence those erroneous false teachings that would affect the moral and doctrinal status of the church.

As a church, are we serving and ministering with the aim of love out of pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith today?