1 Timothy 1:1-7

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus 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 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 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

Adam begins a series in the pastoral epistles, three letters written to young pastors that are full of application for our church. In his opening, Paul presents the high priority of defending the flock from error and guarding the truth revealed in God's Word. In verses 1-7, Paul exposes the content of false teaching and the motives of false teachers, both of which should cause the young elder Timothy great concern.