Tag: agapē

Posted on

1 Timothy 1:10b – Sound Doctrine

Picture of the cross connected to seeds and fruit by colorful threads. (Grok)

… and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine…

Summary: Paul and Timothy both know what “sound doctrine” is. You can see it in the letter that Paul writes to Timothy. 

Since this is part of one of Paul’s famous “paragraph long” sentences, let’s look back and see how we got here. He begins with an introduction: “We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.”  Then he starts his sentence with, “We also know that the law is made… for lawbreakers and rebels…” Eventually, he gets around to “…and for whatever else is contrary to … sound doctrine…”

Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:10b – Sound Doctrine”
Posted on

1 Timothy 1:5d – The Headwaters of Love

Picture of three separate water streams forming one stream (Grok)

[The goal of this command is love, which comes from]… a sincere faith. 

Summary: Wrapping up our discussion of Paul’s three reasons for his “command,” we come to the question of faith. What is it and why is it important?  

Writing to Timothy about the need to “command” misguided believers in Jesus not to do certain things,* he says the goal is love (agapē). He then explains that there are three sources, three artesian springs if you will, where the headwaters of love spring from. The three sources are: 

Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5d – The Headwaters of Love”
Posted on

1 Timothy 1:5c – Conscious of Conscience

Picture of a heart with a compass mounted in it (Grok)

… and a good conscience…

Summary: Paul’s words are intended to guide us to a better understanding of godly love (agapē). The second key to success that he provides deals with having a good conscience.   

Where are we again? (It is easy to get lost in these word studies…)

Paul’s whole sentence reads, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience …”

Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5c – Conscious of Conscience”
Posted on

Philippians 1:16 – Carry On

Picture of an eagle's head. (Pixabay)

The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 

Summary: Paul’s description of those who shared the Gospel out of love touches the heart as we explore the relationship Paul had with his followers. 

The word Paul uses for “love” is that well-known Greek word, “agapē.” This form of love is most often associated with God’s love for us. 

Human love is often transactional. We “love” in a way that demands “love” in return. If we are not loved as we think we should be, human love can turn to hate in an instant. 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:16 – Carry On”
Posted on

Philippians 1:9 – Godly Love

Picture of a large red heart overflowing with hundreds of little hearts (Grok)

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight …

Summary: Paul’s prayer is an interesting one. We don’t normally associate love with knowledge and insight. 

Have you ever wondered what Paul prayed about? Today’s passage gives us the answer.

Paul isn’t asking for the Philippians to have love or to be able to love; they already have that. He is specifically asking that the love they already have multiplies and grows “more and more” in two specific ways: in knowledge and “depth of insight.” 

Continue reading “Philippians 1:9 – Godly Love”
Proudly powered by WordPress