1 Timothy 6:3-10
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I can’t imagine what some of you parents of teenagers are going through right now. Right now, our biggest difficulty parenting is getting Abi to eat something besides sweets.
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
Keeping Evan Grace from touching anything that may hurt her and climbing on things.
Who knew that Chinese Noodles could make someone so upset?
Who knew that Chinese Noodles could make someone so upset?
Who knew that rice could make someone cry?
Who knew Evan Grace would get so upset about me keeping her from touching something hot?
Teenagers are different. Teenagers are choosing friends, starting to date, looking at careers and colleges, and driving.
I think though at any age, the goal is the same. We want what is best for our children.
We want them to grab ahold of things and cling to things that will help them.
I think the goal of parenting then, is to give them a proper understanding of value.
What has value?
What doesn’t?
Right now, we make that decision.
Eventually, they have to learn to judge things for themselves.
The same is true with doctrine and Christians.
Eventually every Christian has to discern for themselves what is true and what is false.
Thats one of my goal today.
Tim Challies says this:
True doctrine (content) originates with God (origin), is grounded in the Bible (authority), and agrees with the whole of Scripture (consistency). Because such doctrine is sound (quality), it is healthy (benefit), and profitable (value) for us, and we are responsible for holding it (responsibility).
Paul returns again in his letter to the issue of false teaching, false doctrine.
False doctrine (content) originates with man (origin), is not grounded in the Bible (authority), and contradicts portions of Scripture (consistency). Because such doctrine is unsound (quality), it is unhealthy (benefit) and unprofitable (value) for us, and we are responsible for rejecting it (responsibility).
Paul returns again in his letter to the issue of false teaching, false doctrine.
Paul began this letter to Timothy by instructing Timothy to not allow false doctrine. In fact, this has been a common theme throughout this letter.
In every chapter, Paul has emphasized the necessity of true doctrine.
As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,
He urges Timothy not to allow men to teach strange doctrines, not to allow men to embrace myths, and he tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith.
In Chapter 2,
He deals with who should and should not teach in the church, and he establishes that men have the responsibility to teach and lead the church.
In Chapter 3,
Paul the establishes the character requirements of pastor/elders and deacons.
The pastor is to be able to teach.
The deacon is to hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
In Chapter 4,
He warns Timothy of false believers, false teachers, and doctrine of demons. He urges Timothy to pay close attention to HIS OWN life and doctrine.
In Chapter 5,
He warns Timothy not to just set anyone apart for the work of ministry. To not be so hasty in laying on of hands.
Do you see a theme developing?
Paul is concerned about Timothy, because he loves.
Paul trained Timothy and he is still warning him.
We never get to the point where we don’t need to be warned.
He is concerned about the church of Ephesus. He wants to see it flourish and bring God glory.
So again in chapter 6, he picks up this theme again.
Look at verses 3-4.
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
We are going to look at this kind of from the bottom side up.
We are going to look at the false teacher first, then the false teaching.
Paul writes here that the false teacher is a prideful and ignorant person.
Can we all agree that those people are the worst?
People who are prideful and think they know it all but really they don’t know anything. *Cough* Teenagers..
The think they know it, and will even argue with you over it and they are wrong as sin.
Why? Because they are:
Prideful
Its pride above all that motivates the false teacher and all false teaching.
In other words, Its pride above all that motivates the false teacher and all false teaching.
It is pride above all else that causes someone to look at Scripture and the doctrine it proclaims, and say no thats not right. Its better this way... to look at what God has proclaimed clearly in Scripture and say no thats not it.
It is pride above all else that causes someone to look at Scripture and the doctrine it proclaims, and say no thats not right. Its better this way.
Its prideful to look at what God has proclaimed clearly in Scripture and say no thats not it.
Its prideful to look at what God has proclaimed clearly in Scripture and say no thats not it.
False teaching is prideful because it is ultimately a refusal to submit to what God has said about Himself.
They are also Ignorant
Any type of false teaching starts with pride and ultimately a refusal to submit to what God has said about Himself.
To reject the doctrines of Scripture is to reject truth. Its ignorance.
Its amazing to me the people in our world who are labeled “intelligent.”
Stephen Hawking was known as one of the most “brilliant men who ever lived.” He was an atheist.
In reality, he knew nothing. According to Scripture, he was a fool.
It is not intelligent, brilliant, smart, or anything of the sort to reject the truth of Scripture and to offer anything else as an alternative.
The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds; There is no one who does good.
Paul says here that the person advocating a different doctrine is conceited and understands nothing.
Which essentially converts to this. True knowledge and understanding come from knowing, understanding, and submitting to God’s truth.
Those are the two characteristics of false teachers.
But look with me to verse 3.
Thats what Paul is warning against.
Look again at verse 3
If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
This verse is describing the false teaching, but it gives us biblical characteristics of true doctrine as well.
Characteristics of Biblical Doctrine:
Biblical Doctrine is sound.
Sound is a medical term.
It means healthy or life giving to the individual and to the corporate body.
Biblical Doctrine is the Words of Christ.
It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The good news of Jesus that has the power to save.
False gospels do not save. They leave people condemned. In that regard they aren’t really gospels at all.
Biblical Doctrine conforms us to godliness.
Its transformative.
Learning who God is should be transformative.
One thing
In fact, if the Gospel you claim to believe isn’t transforming you, its not the biblical Gospel.
Reading your Bible, coming to church, leading or attending a Bible study must be more than a mere mental exercise. True biblical doctrine produces godliness Not pride.
Verse 3 tells us that false doctrine is none of that.
So what is it?
We have seen already that it flows from pride, conceit, and ignorance but what does it look like.
What are the characteristics of unbiblical doctrine?
Look at verse 4
he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
False doctrine is controversial and produces controversial people.
A morbid interest in controversy implies sickness. the wording here can be translated sick with controversy. These people are sick.
Secondly, False doctrine produces argument and battles over words.
Danny Akin says this “False teachers love to fight. They would rather fight their brother and sister in Christ with words than use them to share the gospel with the lost and edify the body of Christ with healthy words rooted in Jesus (v. 3). . . This is a person always looking to criticize; never giving the benefit of the doubt. Questioning others motives, something they could never know. They would rather misrepresent others than take the time to find out the truth.
The fact is you love to fight.
You would rather fight your brother and sister in Christ with words than use them to share the gospel with the lost and edify the body of Christ with healthy words rooted in Jesus (v. 3).
Always looking to criticize; never giving the benefit of the doubt. Questioning others motives, something you could never know. You would rather misrepresent others than take the time to find out the truth.
False doctrine is untrue and causes strife
In fact, I would say it causes strife because it is untrue.
Now there is an important distinction to make here.
He says here that out of this false doctrine comes envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions.
In other words, it won’t end in good things. False doctrine produces disunity as opposed to unity.
Thirdly, False doctrine Produces Sin not godliness.
Look at verse 5.
and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
Paul says here that the people following these false doctrines are depraved.
That words means completely corrupt.
Their minds are completely corrupted by false doctrine.
Satan has effectively duped them into believing worthless things. But not only that.
They are deprived of the truth.
The Word deprived means here to be robbed of.
False doctrine and false teaching is seen here as stealing the truth from people.
False teaching is sinful through. There is no holy motivation in it. Its satanic. In fact Jesus calls Satan a thief in John 10:10.
Again its corrupt. But also…
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
False doctrine steals the truth. It kills those who fall into it and it will ultimately destroy them.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
But they aren’t just depraved, and void of truth.
They are motivated by greed and materialism.
Look at the end of verse 5.
They supposed that godliness is a means of gain.
This isn’t speaking of prospering and growing in Christ.
This is speaking of people whose ONLY motivation in ministry is to line their pockets. They are thieves and liars. They are of their father the devil.
There are men and women that you should be aware of that are greedy, they twist the Scriptures, in order to steal from and take advantage of people who just want to watch the preaching channel.
I’ll go on record to say, in general, don’t watch the preaching on TBN. I realize there may be someone on there who is preaching truth and I emphasize may, but most of the preachers on that channel are not.
The majority of those people on that channel preach the prosperity gospel, and I want to deal specifically with that this morning.
Materialism and the heresy of the prosperity gospel doesn’t line up with Scripture. I want to show you this.
The Prosperity Gospel says- If I follow Jesus he will make me wealthy.
Nope. Jesus actually says in
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
“And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
but the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.
Jesus taught that material things can deceive and choke out the Word.
Jesus said in
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
“No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
The teachings of Jesus and the prosperity preacher are completely at odds when it comes to the teaching about wealth.
The Prosperity Gospel says Follow Jesus and he will make you healthy. You will have physical health.
Nope. We aren’t promised that either .
Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
In fact. Paul was given a thorn in his flesh.
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Just look at the disciples. They were literally named THE disciples follower of Jesus. What happened to them? Did God give them healthy happy lives?
Andrew- Crucified on an X shaped cross in Greece.
Andrew- Crucified on an X shaped cross in Greece.
Bartholomew- Flayed to death by a whip in Asia Minor
Bartholomew- Flayed to death by a whip in Asia Minor
Bartholomew- Flayed to death by a whip in Asia Minor
James Son of Zebedee- Thrown off a wall- didn’t die so they beat him to death with clubs.
James Son of Zebedee- Thrown off a wall- didn’t die so they beat him to death with clubs.
James Son of Zebedee- Thrown off a wall- didn’t die so they beat him to death with clubs.
James the Lesser- Beheaded in Palestine
James the Lesser- Beheaded in Palestine
James the Lesser- Beheaded in Palestine
John- Died in exile on the isle of Patmos.
John- Died in exile on the isle of Patmos after being boiled alive in oil.
John- Died in exile on the isle of Patmos.
Jude- Crucified by magi in Persia
Jude- Crucified by magi in Persia
Jude- Crucified by magi in Persia
Matthew- impaled by spears in Ethiopia
Matthew- impaled by spears in Ethiopia
Matthew- impaled by spears in Ethiopia
Matthias- Stoned and beheaded
Matthias- Stoned and beheaded
Matthias- Stoned and beheaded
Peter- Crucified upside down by Nero
Peter- Crucified upside down by Nero
Peter- Crucified upside down by Nero
Philip Hung by Iron hooks upside down
Philip Hung by Iron hooks upside down
Philip Hung by Iron hooks upside down
Simon- Crucified in Persia
Simon- Crucified in Persia
Simon- Crucified in Persia
Thomas- Stabbed to death with a spear in India.
Thomas- Stabbed to death with a spear in India.
Thomas- Stabbed to death with a spear in India.
Apparently, these men missed the whole idea of a prosperity Gospel.
Apparently, these men missed the whole idea of a prosperity Gospel.
These men apparently didn’t follow Jesus as closely as these prosperity teachers who are living like kings.
Mat
Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’ ”
The Gospel doesn’t promise our health.
Thirdly, the Prosperity Gospel teaches Give for the purpose of receiving whether it be more money or health.
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.
The Bible actually teaches that we give because God has given.
This doesn’t mean that God hasn’t and will not bless us in giving. But the purpose/heart of giving is not to get more. The purpose of giving is to give out of love and faith for God who gave to us everything.
We give because he has given.
In other words, godliness is not a path to materialism. According to verse 5, thats what people were teaching, and they are still teaching this.
Godliness is not a path to materialism.
Rather look what Paul goes on to say here.
But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
These false teachers were teaching godliness for the purpose of material wealth, much like the prosperity teachers today.
Paul is saying:
Our motivation for godliness isn’t “Give me more.”
Our godliness should be accompanied by being content in Christ.
We brought nothing in. We take taking nothing out.
Let me ask you something this morning
Why do work so hard to pile up stuff?
We can’t take it with us?
Our children and grandchildren can’t take it with them.
I’m not saying we just spend it on anything and everything because we can’t take it with us. Thats what the world says.
I’m saying invest it in the kingdom of God. Find a missionary or church to support.
Paul says if we have our basic needs met, food and covering, then if we have nothing else, we ought to be content in Christ.
Paul was no stranger to this by the way.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Contentment and strength to live this life in a godly manner comes through Christ.
Do we live this way? Content in Christ?
Or do we always want more.
So often we say we can’t afford to give to the Lord, and that may be true, but so often its because giving to
John D. Rockefeller was at one point the world's richest man and first ever American billionaire. Considering he was a billionaire in the early 1900's he is still considered as the richest person in modern history. When a reporter asked him, “How much money is enough?” He responded, “Just a little bit more.”
How much more do we need to be content?
The reality, if we have Christ, we can be content knowing that in this life we may have nothing, but in Christ when this life is over we can have everything.
This understanding is transformative.
Needs and wants will
Being content in Christ will transform the way we live. It will transform the way we worship. It will transform the way we give.
Often, we may not give to the Lord, because we aren’t content.
We either want more material things or we have to pay for the material things we already have that we thought would make us happy
In reality it only fed our greed and the desire for more.
Greed is a product of false teaching and it is a pathway to sin.
Look at verse 9-10
But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy
Loving money is the roots of all sorts of evil.
False doctrine confuses truth and error, prevents godliness, promotes sin, elevates ungodly leadership, permits false teachers, removes God’s blessing, debilitates the church for times of difficulty, and weakens her for the future. Sound doctrine distinguishes truth from error, promotes godliness, prevents sin, qualifies godly leadership, protects against false teachers, ensures God’s blessing, equips the church for times of difficulty, and strengthens her for the future.
It will pull you away.
Paul may mean here that someone has left true doctrine for the false doctrine.
Or he may mean the same thing Jesus said in the parable of the sower.
“The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
Either way, greed and loving money is the snare that Satan uses through false doctrine and materialism to render people ineffective.
This false teaching was threatening the church of Ephesus and it threatens the church today.
I want to encourage you this morning.
Evaluate what you love. Evaluate what you believe.
Do you love Christ? Is He enough?
What do you make time for?
What do you give priority to?
I’ll go to church when things settle down and I’m not so busy.
I want to encourage you this year to make gathering with the church a priority.
Prioritize Sunday morning Worship
Prioritize Sunday Evening Worship
Prioritize being here on Wednesday Night for prayer meeting.
What could we possibly be doing thats more important?
What do we spend our money on? And is it ever enough?
Do we think of the Lord first when we get our pay check?
Prioritize Giving to God first, not because you want more, but because God has blessed you with that.
SATISFACTION AND CONTENTMENT ARE FOUND IN CHRIST.
Paul’s point here this morning is to avoid false doctrine that leaves us unsatisfied because ultimately its promises are worldly.
We live in a world that preaches the very same thing.
False doctrine confuses truth and error, prevents godliness, promotes sin, elevates ungodly leadership, permits false teachers, removes God’s blessing, debilitates the church for times of difficulty, and weakens her for the future. Sound doctrine distinguishes truth from error, promotes godliness, prevents sin, qualifies godly leadership, protects against false teachers, ensures God’s blessing, equips the church for times of difficulty, and strengthens her for the future.
We have to ask ourselves, Will we embrace this world AND cling to the things that will never satisfy?
Tim Challies
Or
Embrace Christ and true doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus and be content in Him.