1 Timothy 1:5 “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
I for one greatly appreciate how God is uncomplicated in His communications with His people. It is amazing how the scriptures in such simple and clear ways can reveal great truths. At the same time, the greatest theologians and teachers are challenged with the truth presented in the scriptures. I am convinced that it is man who makes the Christian message more complicated than God intended. There are some great books out there that do an excellent job in expounding on the scriptures; but the question I have is, concerning the scriptures, can anyone say it better than the Holy Spirit who inspired the writing of the scriptures. The point is, God gave His written word in order that His people could learn of Him, find comfort and strength in the time of need, and discover truths and instructions for life. Instead of us over-analyzing God’s word, let us accept it for what it is-the word of God to us. A verse that goes along with the above verse is Micah 6:8. “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Another verse is Matthew 11:29-30: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” It is refreshing to see that the goal that God has for us is that we have a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Wow! I get that. God calls us to purify our hearts. James 4:8. There are definite steps we can take to purify our hearts-that is an awarding endeavor. As our hearts are purified, we have a good conscience. What could be better than having a good conscience. Walking in the ways of God always leads to a good conscience. Finally, our faith can be sincere; we can receive the word of God as just that-His word. We can choose to believe His word and we can live on faith in who God is and what He has spoken in His word. A key element in the gospel message is that those who belong to God live by faith in Him. So, let us thank God that He has not left us alone to figure out life and how to live it; He has spoken and has revealed all we need to know about Him and about how to live as His people in a fallen world.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Blessings, Buddy