1 Timothy 1:1–7 “To Stir Up Love”

1 Timothy 1:1-7 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• One Thing Remains (Your Love Never Fails) – Jesus Culture
• Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship
• Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God’s Story: Timothy – Lesson for Kids
• Fruit of the Spirit Song- Motions – Song for Kids
• Love the Lord – IDMC Kids Church Worship Dance Music Video – Song for Kids
• “This Little Light Of Mine” – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The letters of Paul that we have read so far were written to churches (house churches) in specific regions, whereas the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) were written to individuals. Timothy was one of Paul’s most cherished coworkers. It was Paul who chose him (Acts 16:1–5). This letter was written in the later years of Paul’s ministry, and it carries the tone of a spiritual testament, like the words of a senior pastor to a younger pastor.

Following the letter-writing style of his time, Paul first identifies the sender (v.1). He emphasizes, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,” making it clear that he is speaking with apostolic authority. Next, he identifies the recipient (v.2). In calling Timothy “my true son in the faith,” Paul expresses deep affection and trust toward him. Then, Paul greets Timothy with his characteristic blessing. Unusually, instead of the common “grace and peace,” he adds “mercy.”

Paul then refers to the time when, upon leaving for Macedonia, he urged Timothy to remain in Ephesus (v.3). The reason was that there were some in the Ephesian church who were “teaching false doctrines” (v.3). They distorted the gospel with “myths and endless genealogies” (v.4). Such things only produced “meaningless talk” and failed to advance “God’s work—which is by faith.” The term “God’s work” (oikonomia in Greek, from which the English word “economy” comes) means God’s plan for the world. Faith is to trust in that plan and follow His providence.

Paul’s purpose for leaving Timothy in Ephesus was “to stir up love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v.5). The ultimate goal of faith is the fruit of love. A “pure heart” refers to a heart that responds sensitively to the needs of others. A “good conscience” is the ability to discern what is right and act accordingly. A “sincere faith” is the attitude of living according to God’s will. Only when the heart (emotion), conscience (reason), and faith work together can one truly love.

However, some believers in Ephesus lost interest in practicing love and instead got caught up in “meaningless discussions” (v.6). The Christian faith is not empty speculation. Through their scattered words, they sought to become teachers of the law, but they did not even understand what they were saying (v.7).

Meditation:

Christianity is often called “the religion of love.” The Apostle Paul described the three pillars of Christian faith as “faith, hope, and love,” and he said that the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). Christianity began when God’s love was revealed through Jesus Christ, and to believe in Jesus Christ means to experience God’s love and to live by that love. Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets in one word: “love.” That love must first be directed toward God, and at the same time toward our neighbors. The beginning of Christian faith is love, and its end is also love.

The Apostle Paul said that the purpose of preaching the gospel is “to stir up love.” This is because such love does not come naturally to us. In our human nature, we cannot love in this way. It becomes possible only when our fallen nature is transformed by receiving the love of God revealed on the cross. When we are cleansed of sin by the grace of Christ’s blood and reborn as new people through the power of the Holy Spirit, our impure hearts are purified and our evil consciences healed. As we grow in sincere faith, we are able to discern God’s will and live according to it. Only when our whole being is transformed can the possibility of true love emerge.

Over time, as we continue in the life of faith, it is easy to lose focus and spend our energy on empty things. We become entangled in minor issues and make a great fuss as if they were matters of life and death. But such things are meaningless. What we must pray for and strive toward each day is that our inner being is renewed, that our hearts are cleansed, and our consciences made upright, so that we may grow in love.

Prayer:

Lord, let us be more deeply immersed in the love You revealed on the cross. May that love flow through our thoughts, our words, and our actions. Transform our hearts, minds, and bodies completely by Your love. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The Christian life begins and ends with love. True love doesn’t come from our own strength but from God’s love, shown on Jesus’s cross. When God’s grace transforms our hearts, consciences, and faith, we can live a life that shows His love to others.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who loves you the most, and how do you know they love you?
  • Jesus said the most important rule is to love God and love others. What is one way you can show love to someone today?
  • If love is like a seed, what do you think helps it grow stronger in your heart?
    
• Youth
  • Why do you think Paul said the goal of faith is love? How is this different from just “knowing about God”?
  • Sometimes people focus on arguments or small problems instead of love. Why do you think it’s easy to get distracted from what matters most?
  • What part of your life (thoughts, words, or actions) do you want God’s love to change the most right now?