1 Timothy 6:3-10 – False Teachers

A major purpose of this letter is to help Timothy deal with false teachers in the church at Ephesus. In chapter one, Paul reminded Timothy that sound doctrine is that which accords with the Gospel of salvation by grace, alone, working through faith, alone, in Jesus Christ, alone. Here, Paul speaks of “different” doctrines. These teachings are different (strange and unbiblical) because they do not agree with “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness.” Sound teaching will always agree with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the whole counsel of God’s Word. Anything else is a false doctrine.

Paul points out several things about one who promotes false doctrines. First, he is “puffed up with conceit and understands nothing” – he thinks more highly of his intelligence, learning, knowledge of the Bible and spiritual things, and ability to reason than he ought. (One way this has occurred frequently in Church history is for a man to claim he understands the real meaning of the Bible, while no one before him has ever gotten it right). Second, he has “an unhealthy craving for controversy and quarrels about words” – he is argumentative and enjoys stirring up needless debates. Third, the fruit of his quarreling is division among God’s people. Finally, his motive is often financial or other earthly gain. He thinks that by promoting an alternative teaching to that of the legitimate elders in the church, he can make his living (and even enrich himself) from the generosity of the immature who cannot yet distinguish between true and false doctrines, or otherwise gain respect and other earthly rewards.

Questions
1. With what will sound teaching always agree?
2. What does Paul mean by “an unhealthy craving for controversy”?
3. What often motivates false teachers?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that God would silence all teachers of falsehood.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.