1 Timothy 1.  1 and 2 Timothy and Titus are sometimes called the pastoral epistles,  although they were not written by a pastor (Paul was an apostle)  and neither Timothy nor Titus were pastors.  These two men were missionaries, appointed for the purpose of establishing the works in Ephesus and Crete, and for training and appointing leaders to continue that work.  For that reason, I call these the mission epistles. 

This chapter highlights the important role of maintaining doctrinal purity within the mission.  Paul charges Timothy with the task of training teachers to regard their role as a stewardship of valuable doctrinal treasure that must be guarded (4).  He is to warn the teachers in the churches of Ephesus not to search for new, different things to teach.  They must stay away from the speculations about things not clearly taught in scripture – which Paul refers to as “myths and endless genealogies” (4).  Instead of chasing theological rabbits, the doctrine of the mission must stay focused on the saving work of Christ.  Paul had encountered those who considered themselves experts in teaching the Torah (Old Testament Law) but whose lives were lawless and disobedient.  It was clear that they had not experienced salvation by grace, because they had not been saved from  their profanity, family violence, murderous rage, sexual immorality, homosexuality, slave kidnapping, lying, perjury, etc. (9-10). He charged Timothy to train and appoint teachers whose lives were truly transformed by the gospel of grace.

LORD, transform us by your gospel of grace, and keep us from “new” and different teachings that might sidetrack us from our stewardship of your truth.