Bible Phrasing: 1 Timothy 1:3–7

In 1 Timothy 1:3–7 Paul wants Timothy to remain at Ephesus to charge certain persons against false teachings.

1) The point of the charge against false teachers is love. The Christian qualities that bolster the charge are a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 

2) The "wandering away" of certain persons can be traced in verse 6–7. 

• First, certain persons wander away by swerving from the Christian qualities found in verse 5. 
• Next, certain persons become fixated by aberrant topics: different doctrines, myths, genealogies, speculations, and vain discussion. These things are contrary to the stewardship from God that is by faith. 
• Finally, these certain persons go on teaching different doctrines with confidence even though they're largely ignorant of their teaching errors. 

3) The tension for Timothy is twofold:

• He has to charge these people not to teach or devote themselves to aberrant doctrines.
• He has to make sure his charge is ultimately loving -- he does so by perserving Christian qualities and guarding the stewardship entrusted to him by God.