“3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain peoplenot to teach different doctrine 4 or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. These promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan, which operates by faith. 5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6 Some have deviated from these and turned aside to fruitless discussion.” 1 Timothy 1:3-6 HCSB

“18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, 19 having faith and a good conscience.Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith.” 1 Timothy 1:18-19 HCSB

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There s something within us, a part of our sinful nature, that draws our hearts and minds to rewrite systems, rules and plans to fit our own personal desires. Our temptations, our weak points, become our hills to die on and our mindset is strategically built around the defense of these impure, tenuous positions. This is pure sin, pride and carnality. This is our flesh, that we would run on that sinful instinct rather than ‘operating by faith’ as Paul puts it. We pay attention to things, give priority to ideals, that have no basis in logic, rational thought or sound teaching. We sculpt and mold whatever is around us into our fortress of ideas, not caring that it is made of loose sand, thin, dry twigs and rotting filth. We then act as though these ideals are unassailable, and we fight tooth and nail like a desperate person to defend our position of weakness, flesh and sin. 

And Paul, aided by the Spirit, sees this plainly, as can we. We find that we can either choose to live by faith, or die trying to live by the Law. Faith requires ‘a pure heart, a good conscience and sincerity’ all of which come about through the grace we find in Christ. Jesus gives us a pure heart, the kind David prayed for, when His blood covers us, and washes away our sin. That pure heart, then, naturally produces a good, clear conscience. It is expected by-product of grace. If you are living according to His grace and love, then there won’t be anything to taint your conscience or ruin your walk. And sincerity comes from the heart that understands the love shown to it in Christ. 

We have been given a remarkable gift in grace that brings these comforting qualities to our hearts. That pure heart, good conscience and sincerity of faith bring a strength with them that can drive us beyond any petty, carnal desires and into that righteousness that only comes by faith. These good qualities are the goal of our instruction, Paul says. That does mean that we are working toward them, understanding that this work is constantly in progress. Turning from them to be gratified in a moment is what leads to distraction and destruction. These diversions are what has captured those who Paul calls ‘rebellious’ and whose lives are defined by what we find in verses 9-11:

“9 We know that the law is not meant for a righteous person, but for the lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinful, for the unholy and irreverent, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for kidnappers, liars, perjurers, and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching 11 based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.” 1 Timothy 1:9-11 HCSB

Paul doesn’t single out one sin, but shows us a list of sins that stand as evidence of hearts that have been shored up on weakness and impurity. The heart that is strong and held safely in Christ is not exempt from these temptations, but it is given the wherewithal to move beyond them and into holiness. The heart that defends it murderous, immoral behavior is the heart that stands on shifting sand and is destined for the result of its foolishness. Hell was meant for satan and his angels, but it is also the repository of those who insist on living for their carnal desires. 

Sound teaching brings a strong foothold and that, again, is only achieved in Christ Jesus. 
“15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16 HCSB

We do not stand as self-righteous, self-made moralists. Instead, we stand under the gracious auspices of the cross of our Master, Jesus, under HIs grace and mercy and love. We are being made strong, pure and holy in Him, and in every corner of our heart, mind and soul, it matters. It matters to the very core of our being. He is glorified and we are changed. God be praised! GoLove someone into His truth today, the Spirit working in you.