[but set an example for the believers] … in purity.
Summary: Paul completes his example of Christian living with a simple word, “purity.”
The word “purity,” both in English and Greek, conveys two concepts. First is the idea of cleanliness; that is, being without contamination. The second is an absence of moral corruption, especially sexual immorality.
Paul opens his letter to Timothy with a reference to why he is writing: Certain things are happening to the church in Ephesus that require attention. Paul’s letter identifies what those “things” are and then explains how to respond.
What is going on in Ephesus?
Certain people are teaching false doctrines (1 Timothy 1:3). False doctrines confuse people. Like a leech or parasite, they sap a person’s strength and drain away their spiritual vitality.
The Gospel is simple: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).
Let’s step back for a moment and put this simple truth in perspective. Jesus explains:
“The field is the world, and the good seed (wheat) stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one…” (Matthew 13:38).
The Bible doesn’t present this as a choice, but as a fact. Jesus also says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…” (John 10:14).
What happens when people add to the Gospel message? What changes when someone teaches people to focus on “myths and endless genealogies”? (1 Timothy 1:4) Does it change people from sheep into something else? Do such beliefs alter our spiritual DNA?
The real concern seems to be that false doctrine corrupts the church. As Paul explains, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5). God wants us to live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:2). Paul adds, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer” (1 Timothy 4:4-5).
The pure Christian life is a thing of beauty. Paul is encouraging Timothy and us to model that kind of life for others to see. As Paul points out in his third “trustworthy saying”:
“That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10)
Application: Cast off false teachings and live a life of pure faith in Jesus Christ.
Food for Thought: How would you describe the purity that Paul is talking about?
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I think I would define it as single minded devotion to Christ that is uncorrupted by the world.
Thank you, Rich.
That would certainly qualify!
How would you describe the purity that Paul is talking about?
I looked up the Greek word Paul used in 1 Tim 4:12 for purity: hagneia. Strong’s Greek number 47 denotes it as “the quality of inward and outward moral purity. In the two New Testament appearances, the word functions as a touchstone for personal integrity, especially for leaders and those who influence the flock of God. Its focus is not ceremonial cleanness but the practical holiness of thoughts, intentions, and relationships.”
I think to have “the practical holiness of thoughts, intentions, and relationships” one would have to strive to maintain their honesty before God. I don’t believe one can have purity in their life without recognizing and repenting from impurity. We certainly don’t have the purity in the sense that Christ has, but because He has paid our debt of sin, the sin of our lifetime, we are able to measure our thoughts, intentions and relationships against His purity. This is part of the grace God has given to us through Christ. He is the living standard, the Word of God, by which we can recognize the good and evil in our life. That “measuring” requires honesty before God. So that purity is taking captive our thoughts for Christ, discerning the thoughts and intentions of our heart (inward moral purity), which ultimately affect all our relationships (outward moral purity).
So, where does this tie into Paul’s message? I believe if one alters the Gospel of Christ, it can only be for impure motives. Twisting the Word so it conforms to their own standards, or to gain worldly benefit from it. As followers of Christ we are to conform to Him. seeking to become like Christ, trusting in Him and His Gospel as He intends, allowing it to transform our life, that is the purity that I believe Paul wants us to pursue, and the purity that is an example to believers.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Thanks, Chris.
“I believe if one alters the Gospel of Christ, it can only be for impure motives.”
That seems like a logical deduction which brings us back to your definition of “pure.” In a sense, God is the definition of purity.