A Lifestyle in Progress     

   To the young pastor, Timothy, Paul began by warning him about false teachers...those who taught false doctrines and myths, rather than the truth of God's Word...which is by faith. 1 Timothy 1:4.  NIV 

   Of those who rejected the gospel, he said they had shipwrecked their faith. v. 1:19. 

   In verse 5, Paul wrote, The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 

   At least two years earlier, the high priest and companions went before Felix accusing Paul of being "a troublemaker, stirring up riots all over the world." Paul told the governor...as a follower of the Way...I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. Acts 24:14.

Our Bible commentary in 1 Timothy: 

   The supreme goal of all instruction from God's Word is not Bible knowledge in itself, but an inward moral transformation that expresses itself in love, purity of heart, a clear conscience and faith without hypocrisy.  

   (1) The Biblical concept of teaching and learning is not primarily to impart knowledge or to prepare oneself academically. It is to produce holiness and a righteous lifestyle, conforming to God's ways. 

   (2) The teacher must be someone whose life illustrates perseverance in truth, faith and holiness. 1 Timothy 3:1-13. 

We can press on toward the goal - God help us - 

while the corona virus runs its course.

Let there be no shipwrecks among us.

Jimmy