Greed, Discontent & False Teaching

Introduction:

“True Christian faith produces humility, gentleness, unity, and giving. It is based in servanthood. But the false teachers, divorcing themselves from the truth, had unhealthy reasoning. False doctrines produce pride, contention, disharmony, and selfishness, which in turn produces greed. Such men think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 243.)

Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 243.

I. False Teaching & Greed (vv.1-5)

Characteristics of false teaching:

A Different Teaching - Any teaching that is contrary to the revealed teaching that has been given in scripture through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The enemy does not seek to always be upfront in his attempt to undermine the faith - he uses subtle attacks or substitution - Jesus taught that there would be many “false Christs” who lie and deceive. False teachers use extra-biblical interpretations to promote their agendas - claims of visions or new revelations that are self-generated and may even sound biblical but are contrary to the teaching of the whole counsel of the word of God. Verses used in isolation to promote a personal preference or interpretation. In order to know the true we have to accurately study the truth - the best way to spot a counterfeit is to be expertly familiar with the original.

Denial of the Truth - “does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ.” False teachers will not affirm the truth in some way. They deny the word of God.

Godliness is not promoted - Also, “and with the teaching that promotes godliness.” The ultimate test of truth is godliness…the truth of God will always result in godliness when applied. Reverence for God, Christ-likeness, holiness of life, spiritual fruit is a result of the truth - not error. The lives of those who embrace error are often characterized by moral looseness and ungodliness. They abuse and turn grace into lewdness and selfishness.

Pride - They teach contrary to scripture and their lives are marked by pride and arrogance...”he is conceited and understands nothing...” they are full of hot air and arrogant.

Their Obsession - False teachers are pre-occupied with theories and arguments over all kinds of issues. They battle over terminologies.

“The false teacher also has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words. These teachers actually enjoyed disputes. It was a competitiveness designed to place them in the winner’s circle as they dissected words, arguing over nuances and shades of meaning, debating issues that could never be solved in this life.” (Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 242.)

The false teacher also has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words. These teachers actually enjoyed disputes. It was a competitiveness designed to place them in the winner’s circle as they dissected words, arguing over nuances and shades of meaning, debating issues that could never be solved in this life.

Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 242.

The Consequences - “envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among people..” Their teaching divides and destroys. Confusion reigns and unity collapses. What unites God’s people is a commitment to the truth.

Questions we must ask about any teaching we hear:

• Is it consistent with Scripture, true to the faith?

• Is it consistent with Scripture, true to the faith?

• Does it unite the church? Does it encourage unity and love?

• Does it promote godliness, strengthening the inner person above the outer person?

Is it true?

Today, many Christians build strong ties between faith and Western values of success. Having lived with the benefits of national prosperity for so long, it is often difficult to understand the church in terms other than statistical growth, bureaucratic specialization, economic advancement, managerial efficiency, and personal actualization.

Is it edifying?

Then there are those who treat faith as a commodity, “evangelizing” through imprinted slogans on bumper stickers, T-shirts, and coffee mugs, melding faith with fad and fashion. Christianity is distinguished only by the lyrics. Either way, the church risks impotence, contributing to society and our neighbors little more than a religious rendition of pop culture.

Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 254.

II. The Characteristic of Godliness (vv.6-10)

Contentment in Our Relationship with God

Material goods never bring true joy or satisfaction - they are not evil in and of themselves unless they become the focal point of our lives. We must grow in sanctification to find our complete and total satisfaction and joy in Christ alone. Nobody comes into the world with an Amazon wish list or shopping list of the latest gadgets or material possessions..neither will any of us have a luggage rack or bank safe on top of the hearse carrying our body to the grave. We end just as we start - with nothing in our hand.

Today, many Christians build strong ties between faith and Western values of success. Having lived with the benefits of national prosperity for so long, it is often difficult to understand the church in terms other than statistical growth, bureaucratic specialization, economic advancement, managerial efficiency, and personal actualization.

Contentment in the Bare Necessities of Life

Food and clothing are two of the basic necessities of life. Let us be careful here to understand that the bible is not teaching Christians to be paupers on purpose or to choose to live in abject poverty out of some rejection of the material world. The bible draws a clear distinction between material possessions and true peace. Money and possessions will never satisfy the human heart.

Love God - Not Money

The love of money is like a bad weed with deep roots that then spreads and creates all kinds of issues in our lives that choke out peace and contentment. The love of money will cause you to look at what you do not have and become anxious for more and bitter toward those who do have more…it will cause you to sacrifice your integrity and even your family in a vain search for fulfillment from material gain. Our culture is eat up with this disease and the bible is giving us a clear command here to examine our hearts and motives.

Paul was not against the drive to accomplish or the ambition to make a difference in the world or on the job. The Bible states clearly that we are to work hard, to be model employees or employers. But money should not be the driving force. It should be God’s glory that pushes us—love of people, the mission of the church, our devotion to Christ.

Questions for Discussion and Reflection:

1. Do you ever feel restless or discontent with what you have? If so, why?

Holman New Testament Commentary: I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon VIII. Issues for Discussion

. Do you ever feel restless or discontent with what you have? If so, why?

2. What is the proper balance between healthy ambition and godly contentment? Can we be at peace in our spirits and still work to get ahead?

3. Has the love of money ever caused you trouble? Do you find money attractive?

4. Paul tells us to be rich in good works. What can you do to demonstrate generosity in this area?

5. Have you made the “good confession”? How would you summarize the commitment it calls you to keep?

Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 246.

2. What is the proper balance between healthy ambition and godly contentment? Can we be at peace in our spirits and still work to get ahead?

3. Has the love of money ever caused you trouble? Do you find money attractive?

4. Paul tells us to be rich in good works. What can you do to demonstrate generosity in this area?

Knute Larson, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon, vol. 9, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 257–258.