1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) 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.
I would imagine that most of those who read these devotionals go to church and are also involved in some kind of Bible study, small group or other activity where learning about God and His Word is at the core of the activity. In today's verse from Paul's letter to the young Pastor Timothy he lays out some ground work for his ministry. Paul is concerned about and wants those who teach to be concerned about how people live. It is not simply head knowledge that he is trying to convey.
Take another look at these words - love, a pure heart, clear conscience and genuine faith. This love is of choice and of the will, it is a sacrificial, caring and hoping love. A pure heart is an undivided, devoted heart. A clear conscience is one that doesn't have to look back over the shoulder for sins that are following you, trying to entangle you and take you down. Genuine faith trusts God, clings to and seeks Him in good times and in adversity and as The Message puts it (below) "is open to God.. As you are being taught or as you teach are these things goals in that teaching and are these goals being achieved?
May you "be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith" and do your best to pass it on to others.
Mike
Follow the verse of the day at www.mikesvotd.blogspot.com
1 Timothy 1:5-7 The Message (MSG)
5-7The whole point of what we're urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. Those who fail to keep to this point soon wander off into cul-de-sacs of gossip. They set themselves up as experts on religious issues, but haven't the remotest idea of what they're holding forth with such imposing eloquence.
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