The Goal of Our Instruction 1 Timothy 1:5 The Goal of Our Instruction

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned (KJV). But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (NASB). The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (ESV).

Goal The word translated “goal” indicates “the end,” i.e., the goal toward which a movement is being directed. The “outcome” of true discipleship is eternal life (Rom. 6:20-23; cf. Eccl. 12:13-14).

Instruction The word translated “instruction” signifies “a command,” i.e., an announcement respecting something that must be done, order or precept. Human decrees are often capricious and presumptuous (Acts 5:28; 16:23-24). Divine commands bear the weight of inspiration (1 Thess. 4:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1:18-19).

Love Christian love [agape] is a love of the will/volition (Rom. 13:8-10; 1 Cor. 13:4-7). Brotherly love [philia] is a love of friendship and emotion (Rom. 12:10; 1 Pet. 1:22). Family love [storge] is a love of natural affection (Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3). Sexual love [eros] is a love of physical passion (Prov. 7:18; 5:15-20; Heb. 13:4).

Pure Heart The word translated “pure” refers to that which is “clean,” i.e., free from moral guilt, free from sin. We must be pure in heart (Matt. 5:8; 23:25-26; 2 Tim. 2:22). We must be pure in speech (Ps. 34:12-14; Titus 2:6-8; James 1:26). We must be pure in life (1 Cor. 6:18-20; 1 Thess. 4:3-8; 2 Tim. 2:20-21).

Good Conscience The conscience, which literally signifies “awareness of information,” identifies the inward faculty of distinguishing right and wrong, moral consciousness, conscience. It refers to the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other.

Good Conscience Note the need for a good conscience (Acts 24:14-16; 1 Tim. 1:18-19; 3:8-9) Note also the danger of an evil conscience (1 Tim. 1:18-20; 4:1-3; Titus 1:15-16).

Sincere Faith The word translated “sincere” refers to that which is “unhypocritical, unfeigned.” It pertains to being without pretense, genuine, sincere, lit. “without play-acting.” We must demonstrate sincerity of faith (1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5). We must demonstrate sincerity of love (Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 6:6; 1 Pet. 1:22). We must demonstrate sincerity of wisdom (James 3:17).

Conclusion The goal of the instruction is love, purity of heart, integrity in behavior, and sincerity of faith. Do you still carry the guilt and stain of sin? You can find cleansing through obedience to the Gospel of Christ (Isa. 1:18-20; John 15:1-3; Heb. 10:19-22; 1 Pet. 3:20-21).