1 Timothy 1:5-7 English Standard Version
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.
The love that issues forth from a pure heart is agape, perfect love. A good conscience and sincere faith only facilitate loves release and are not responsible for the quality of that love.
Paul’s warning in this opening letter to Timothy is directed towards those who desire to teach in our churches. The same could be said about any of us in that the aim of love is meant to be universal. Love will do what loves does because that is what agape love is in performance and character.
What do we think when we hear someone say “I got this.” The need to place “I” in the forefront is a clear indication of confidence in the flesh. Vain discussions do not produce Godly results. God does not move in vain attempts. God moves in agape love, released from a pure heart by good conscience and sincere faith.
When we come to a better understanding of God’s Word we should be mindful always of just how we got there. Our instructor is the Holy Spirit. Comfort from Him is not confidence in the flesh, it is given to overcome the anxiety of human reflection of a past life which we left behind.
The flesh will always tag along and try to take credit for what God has done. We spend a good portion of our former life trying to be achievers. We left that life to pursue a life in Christ. The longer we do that successfully the more our lives reflect the love inside us.
It has to get through our flesh to be seen.