What is the meaning of 1 Timothy 1:5?

The goal of our instruction

Paul writes, “Now the goal of our instruction is love…” (1 Timothy 1:5).

• Timothy is reminded that every sermon, lesson, and personal exhortation should aim at one overarching target: love.

• This keeps ministry from drifting into mere intellectualism or endless debate (v. 4).

• Cross references underline the same priority: “The entire Law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14); “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

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is love

• Not sentimentality, but the active, sacrificial love modeled by Christ (John 13:34).

• Love is the defining mark of true discipleship (John 13:35) and the “greatest” virtue (1 Corinthians 13:13).

• When teaching, counseling, or correcting, love guards us from harshness, pride, or self-promotion (Ephesians 4:15).

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that comes from a pure heart

• A heart cleansed by Christ allows love to flow without mixed motives (Psalm 24:3-4).

• Purity protects against hypocrisy; what we teach publicly matches what we cherish privately (1 Peter 1:22).

• Regular self-examination and confession keep the inner life transparent before God (1 John 1:9).

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a clear conscience

• Paul strives “to maintain a clear conscience before God and man” (Acts 24:16), and he calls Timothy to the same.

• A conscience unburdened by unrepented sin gives boldness in ministry (Hebrews 10:22).

• When conscience is seared (1 Timothy 4:2), love withers; when clear, love flourishes.

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and a sincere faith

• Faith without pretense—unfeigned, genuine (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5)—fuels love that endures trial.

• Such faith trusts God’s Word fully, rejects empty speculation, and acts on what it believes (James 2:17).

• “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).

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summary

Paul distills sound teaching to one outcome: love. This love must rise from an undivided heart, a conscience free of guilt, and a faith that rings true. Pursue these three inner qualities, and every lesson, correction, or encouragement will land on the target God desires.