Stand Against Greed 1 Timothy 6:3-5.
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, He is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, And constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Dear Holy Nation,
We turn yet again to the subject of false teachers. This theme is prevalent in almost all New Testament writers, underlining how important it is to beware of those who mislead. Often in our quest for Christian unity, we consort with people whose teachings we consider unbiblical. We should not be shy to declare someone’s teachings a falsehood if we are so convinced. Some forms of unity only defile us.
Unsound (v. 3). This subject seems to have been provoked by the previous teaching about slaves. Paul says that those who teach the contrary to what he has instructed reject the sound teaching of the Lord himself, as well as teaching about godliness. False teaching is not an alternative way of thinking, it is a rejection of the truth.
Unhealthy (v. 4). False teachers are driven by pride, ignorance, and an unhealthy appetite for provoking disagreements that divide the body of Christ. And such controversial opinions have enough takers. A bishop who openly denied the Virgin Birth and questioned the possibility of miracles in general suddenly filled his previously empty cathedral.
Unholy (v. 5). Such people thrive in a climate of depravity. Depravity is the state of being corrupt, evil, and perverted. The depraved are also deprived of the truth and only see godliness as a path to material gain. Greed will destroy the greedy because it can never be satisfied. Do not associate with people who exploit others and employ greed to get what they want, even if they call themselves bishops, prophets, or apostles.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.