Paul loved the Church at Ephesus. He spent nearly 2 years there teaching the Gospel and building a body of believers focused upon Christ, His grace and their amazing Journey. Paul knew, however, that as soon as he departed, the Judaizers and gnostics would attempt to undo the work he and his team spent in building the Church at Ephesus. Paul charged young Timothy to be the voice of grace and reason when others would try to muddy the waters. Paul reminded Timothy that the love we have comes from a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a sincere faith. Talks of law based religion and a deeper knowledge that would somehow create better Christians flew in the face of the very idea of grace. Checklist religion does not, neither then or now, fit the Gospel story. So Paul left Timothy on duty to speak the truth in love and move the church forward in faith. Even John in Revelation spoke to the church’s faith and service.
Then and now, we must also remain on guard to assure we preach the Gospel of grace through faith in Christ! (Ephesians 2:8-9) It is so easy to fall into the trap of Christian pride that comes from”Superior Knowledge” or checking the boxes of Churchianity! Paul was that guy! Pharisee of Pharisees! God changed him and used him to introduce Christ to the world at large. We, like Paul, need to trust in God’s leadership. We need to exercise peace, patience, and trust in the Lord’s leadership and His power. As we do, we will be on post; ready to call other gospels that add to grace–wrong doctrine and lies. We speak the truth in love and honor God with our lives and our families. Help me, Lord to be watchful and mindful of your grace and leading!
God Bless You
3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship[a] from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desirings to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers,[b] liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound[c] doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
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