1 Timothy 1:1-11
We met Timothy in Acts 16:1-40. Paul’s ties with his "own son in the faith" were precious. Yet he writes to him as an apostle in order to emphasize the authority which he confers on him. This young disciple was entrusted with a difficult task: to direct each one as to the manner in which he should behave in the assembly (1 Timothy 3:15). A commandment, whose end (aim) was love, had been given to him. Just as the law-courts are not for honest people, the law is no longer relevant for those who are justified (v. 9). What is appropriate for them henceforth is that love whose source is in God. It is poured into our hearts by the Spirit (Romans 5:5). So that it should not be like stagnant water in us, but rather that it should flow through us and spring up for the good of others, no channel must be blocked. Love flows from a pure heart: disentangled from every idol; from a good conscience: which has nothing for which to reproach itself (Acts 24:16); from a sincere faith: free from all trace of hypocrisy (2 Timothy 1:5). If these conditions are not fulfilled, our Christianity will be nothing more than a vain jangling (v. 6). What a marvellous contrast between law which curses the sinner and grace which brings him into the enjoyment of the glory and bliss of God.