Paul introduces himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by God's command and with Christ's hope. He called Timothy his true son in the faith. Paul entrusted to Timothy his ministry, as a father passes on his business to his son. Are we entrusting the next generation with our ministry?

Paul charges Timothy to oppose false teachers in Ephesus who were teaching wrong doctrine, emphasizing genealogies, and spreading myths. Their bad influence misdirected believers, who then devoted themselves to debates on doctrine rather than the advancement of God's work. God's kingdom grows when we have faith that anyone can be saved, not through arguments about the Bible.

Paul emphasizes that proper Bible teaching leads people to love God and others, to be pure-hearted, to have a clear conscience, and to act with sincere faith. The law is given to help us acknowledge our despicable sins and to repent. Paul wants Timothy to direct others to Bible study that leads us to believe in the gospel of salvation for anyone and to live a life of integrity, free from the strong grip of sin.


Application: Father, thank you for calling us to live for Christ. Help us to teach the Bible properly to advance the ministry with a goal of love.
One Word: Teach the Word properly