“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.” (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT).

PAUL’S PURPOSE FOR INSTRUCTING BELIEVERS: LOVE

Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). The believers in Ephesus loved knowledge so much that their discussions often dissolved into meaningless and endless debates over disputable matters. Paul encouraged Timothy not to scratch their itch for such things, but to focus on instruction that affected the heart, the conscience, and built up a genuine faith. In this way, love would be the ultimate outcome.

We can learn from Paul’s purpose for instruction. Our preaching and teaching must have as its aim that believers examine their hearts, repent of sin to clear their conscience and grow in their faith, so that it is proven genuine by love. This kind of instruction leads to believers who are filled with love.

Are you growing in love? Being filled with love is the evidence that we are truly hearing and applying God’s Word to our lives.

PRAYER: Dear Father, open our ears and our hearts to truly hear Your Word today. Fill our hearts afresh with Your love and Spirit. Show us the way to walk in Your love today. In Jesus’ name, amen.