The goal of Bible Teaching

Read 1 Timothy 1.

Paul charged his younger protege Timothy to stay in Ephesus.  He was to deal forthrightly with the false teachers in that congregation.  Too many churches have prided themselves in tolerating differing views of doctrine.  But the Scriptures say otherwise.  Paul even rejected two named men in this chapter and announced that he had "handed them over to Satan" after they made "shipwreck of their faith" (v20).

What characterized teaching that made it false?  
These "certain persons" communicated a smorgasbord of different beliefs.  With their faith in Jesus, they mixed in "myths and endless genealogies", speculations, and "vain discussions" (v.6).  And, this they did with "confident assertions" (v.7).

Their approach to preaching and teaching greatly deviated from what the Apostle Paul had done.  He taught "thus says the Lord".  It was God's word that was to be communicated, not the opinions of others and certainly not the various views of those who differ.

Why did these teachers behave this way?
Paul said they had a desire to teach, but they were "without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions."  In other words, they did not know what they were talking about.  They had not studied God's word.  Instead, they turned to their culture and popular opinions for their subject material.  Indeed, they had "wandered away" (v.6) from the truth.  In the final analysis, their desire to teach amounted to nothing more than egomania.  Also, by implication in the following verses, these false communicators were living ungodly lifestyles.

What is the goal of communicating God's word?
Obedience to sound doctrine from the Scriptures changes lives both here and for eternity.  God has not given us a Bible for our information only, but for our transformation in order to behave as the people of God.  Paul makes this clear as he names seven ungodly behaviors and adds, "whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine" (vv.9-10).  Without the Scriptures we would not know what God expects of us.

The Apostle summarized the goal in one powerful verse (v.5).
Love.  Roberta Mounce wrote that this type of love "is not a romantic enchantment but a commitment of the will to place the welfare of others as a first priority."
1. Love from a pure heart.  This should cause us to examine ourselves and eliminate all selfish motives in serving Christ.
2. Love from a good conscience.  Freedom of conscience is what the Psalmist prayed for.  "Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlastings!" (Psalm 139:23-24)
3. Love from a sincere faith.  There is no room for hypocrisy here.  One's faith in Jesus is to be real and evident.  One's absolute confidence in the inerrant, infallible, unchanging word of God must be genuine.