I Timothy 1

v 5 " But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."   

Paul's teaching has a specific purpose.  The "certain men" in Ephesus were trying to use the wrong ways to get to the "end" point.   You can't get there withs myths, genealogies, or speculations, Paul warns.  These things won't build the church, and won't please God.  In fact, they would cause people to stray from Him.

They were trying to use the Law, but didn't even understand it themselves.  Paul writes that the Law is "not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane.."  In case they weren't sure about that, Paul makes a list of examples;
murderers
immoral men
homosexuals
kidnappers
liars
perjurers
"and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching"

Paul confesses that he, himself had been one of those ignorant unbelievers - he had been a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent aggressor.   But, it was not myths, genealogies, or speculations that had saved him... it was the "grace of our Lord"  and the "faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus" that rescued him. 

The "glorious gospel of the blessed God" is the sound teaching that will achieve the end purposes and results that God wants us to find - a  pure heart,  a good conscience, a sincere faith.  " It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..."  This is worth fighting for, Paul tells Timothy,  this is the faith we keep, and that we teach, and that we live out as an example for "those who would believe in Him for eternal life". 


Oh what mercy You have shown to us, King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God!  You have saved us sinners through Christ Jesus, our Lord.  Thank You!  The Law was given so that we could know what sin is... so we can recognize it in our own hearts, for it is there.  But the Law could not remove that darkness, only reveal it.  It is the grace, abundant grace that leads us to faith and love in Jesus Christ, that removes our sin, that changes our hearts, that gives us a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith!  All honor and glory is Yours forever and ever.  Amen!