This is Paul’s first letter to Timothy, a young minister, which contains his final instructions warning Timothy.
Although the letter was written to Timothy, it applies to all Christians, not just those who are church leaders or false leaders. It is also a handbook for church administration and discipline.
1 Timothy 6:3-10 points toward those Christians who would look to use a ministry (not only preaching) but any form of ministry to obtain wealth, to obtain prestige, or to set themselves upon a pedestal, so to speak.
These verses also describe the character flaws that false teachers frequently exhibit. Hardness, greed, slander, and bickering are frequent characteristics of those who reject correct doctrines.
An unwillingness to accept the truth and an insistence on clinging to false teachings are the primary causes of these errors. Paul also goes into greater detail about how and why a person’s life can be destroyed by greed.
So, how do we guard our motives, how do we live above reproach, and how do we minister faithfully?
1. Steer Clear of Pointless Arguments and the Desire to Attain Wealth
Timothy was instructed by Paul to avoid preachers who were merely seeking financial gain and had deviated from the sound teachings of the gospel into minute doctrinal disagreements that sparked conflict within the church.
Disagreements within the church frequently begin with insignificant theological disagreements. This causes a wide range of issues.
A person should not use their knowledge of the finer points of theology as a basis for lording it over others or making money. The church ought to always be united by theology. We should avoid those who only want to argue.
Paul demonstrates his fervent concern for sound doctrine once more. His zeal for accurate biblical teaching indicates that this should also be a high priority in modern churches.
Anything that goes against the message of Jesus Christ is false doctrine. In contrast to the harmful teachings of false, non-Christian doctrines, sound words mean nourishing and restorative words in this context.
The doctrines of godly, proper behavior are also connected to Jesus’ words. Here, Paul means both God’s written Word and teachings that are consistent with it. In both of these areas, God is misrepresented by false teachings or different doctrines.
1 Timothy 1:3 is another Scripture where Paul uses the phrase “other doctrine.” He told Timothy to stay at Ephesus so that he could bring charges against those who tried to teach any other doctrine.
Timothy was perhaps left in the city for this primary reason. He was well-versed in the Old Testament, Paul’s teachings, and the gospel. Because of this, he was well-suited to stop other people from spreading false teachings in the church.
In verses four and five, a list of nine descriptions of false teachers begins (proud, knowing nothing, questions and strife’s of words, envy, strife, railings, evil surmising’s, perverse disputing’s, destitute of the truth).
Paul’s point here is not that a person who exhibits any or all of these characteristics is only a false teacher. Instead, these are characteristics shared by those who spread messages that are at odds with the gospel.
2. Don’t Be Proud
Those who persist in false teaching do so out of pride.
Such individuals elevate themselves above the scriptures rather than following all of God's Word to its logical conclusion.
3. Watch Out for the Unteachable Quality of False Teachers
False teachers cannot comprehend the truth because they are so persuaded by their own position.
Since those who are resistant to correction frequently go to great lengths to defend their errors, this flaw is a natural companion to the following one.
4. Don’t Engage in Unnecessary Arguments
The false teacher enjoys debating the words of Scripture, but not for the sake of the truth but rather for the sake of debating.
The problem that Paul describes in Colossians 2:8 is comparable to this one as well as in Titus 3:9-11. It is interesting to note that the remaining flaws Paul will discuss are said to have been brought about by this bickering trend.
5. Don’t Be Envious
False teachers want what other people have. Material and financial issues will be discussed in the future. Therefore, it is highly likely a reference to spiritual envy of other people’s respect, reputation, or image.
The false teacher aspires to be regarded as an expert or knowledgeable and aspires to be treated in the same manner as other spiritual teachers.
6. Be Aware of Division in the Church
Controversy is an example of disagreement. This seems to be a bigger problem than the previous arguments.
The false teacher frequently demonstrates an inability to “live and let live.” These people frequently treat those who disagree with them in a negative way.
7. Don’t Slander Others
Information that is clearly false, dishonest, unfair, or misleading is included in this. There are more ways to divide Christians than just having open arguments.
Verbal or nonverbal actions are considered slander and cause division. The false teacher is especially quick to discuss other people’s problems while also being sinful (Matthew 7:1-5).
8. Rid Yourself of Negative Thoughts about Other People
The kind of suspicions are not mentioned here, but they could be accusations or the attitude of someone who is obsessed with conspiracy theories and believes that everyone is out to get them.
This makes sense in the context of a person who is completely oblivious to the flaws in themselves.
A person who is persuaded that their position cannot possibly be incorrect might think that everyone who disagrees with them has a personal vendetta. Once more, the false teacher gets involved in more slander, arguments, and disagreements.
Verse five contains the final two flaws. “Perverse disputing” refers to harsh, vengeful verbal attacks on other people or things.
This is in contrast with the encouragement outlined in Hebrews 10:25. The way false teachers think, what they conclude about the truth, and how they interact with people who might not agree with them are all incorrect.
False teachers’ perception of spirituality as a means of achieving material success is the final flaw in their character.
False teachers aim to profit from their leadership positions for the sake of profit. Paul has just made it abundantly clear that those who teach and lead the church as their primary vocation should be compensated (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
This enables them to concentrate more on the requirements of the church family. This, on the other hand, applies to those who serve with sincerity, humility, and a vision toward God’s glory.
The false teacher, unfortunately, sees spirituality as a business or a way to make money. This could include staying in Christian homes, receiving food from the hosts, and receiving money from Christians. John, among other New Testament authors, made the same observation.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. 11 Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work (2 John 1:10-11).
If the person who comes to you does not bring “sound doctrine,” then providing false teachers with support is a bad decision in and of itself.
Even though there is evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that money is what makes people happy. Rich people who want more money can get stuck in a never-ending cycle that only leads to loss and destruction.
How can we avoid falling in love with money? Paul provides some guidelines for us. First and foremost, we ought to be aware that one day, all wealth will vanish (1 Timothy 6:7). Second, according to 1 Timothy 6:8, we ought to be content with what we have.
Thirdly, we should keep an eye on the things that we are willing to do to obtain more money (1 Timothy 6:9-10). Fourthly, we ought to value people more than material possessions (1 Timothy 6:11).
Next, we ought to value God’s work more than material possessions (1 Timothy 6:11). Finally, according to 1 Timothy 6:18, we ought to freely share what we have with others.
For further reading:
4 Ways to Withstand the Weight of Ministry
How Does False Teaching Reveal Itself Today?
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