Sordid gain (KJV - filthy lucre) (147) (aischraischrokerdos from aischros = indecent, dishonorable + kerdos = gain) means a fondness for dishonest gain. It is gain procured in a base and avaricious manner and which would produce shame if uncovered. This does not refer exclusively to material gain such as the demand of a salary which gives the impression that an elder serves primarily from his desire for selfish purposes rather than his desire to be of service. It may also refer to gaining popularity by adulterating the gospel to attract more people to the congregation, and showing special favors and consideration to the rich and the influential in order to gain personal advantage and profit. The KJV renders aischrokerdos with the graphic phrase "filthy lucre" where "Lucre" is from a Latin word meaning "gain," and only becomes filthy when it corrupts the sincerity of Christian ministry. The pastor is not to commercialize his ministry. Vincent writes that... For filthy lucre From aischros, disgraceful, and kerdos, gain. Only here in New Testament. The word filthy is intended to convey the idea which lies in aischros, base or dishonorable; becoming such if it is made the motive of the minister’s service. Compare 2Cor 12:14. (Greek Word Studies) The shepherd must serve the Lord with a willing heart because he loves Christ and the flock, and not simply because he has a job to do. He must never serve for “sordid gain”, whether it be money, prestige, power, or promotion. False teachers are usually motivated by greed and desire for money, and use their power and position to rob people of their own wealth. A desire for filthy lucre must never be a motive for Shepherds. (cf. 1Ti 3:3; 6:9, 10, 11; 2Ti 2:4; Titus1:7; 2Pe 2:3; also Je 6:13; 8:10; Mic 3:11; Mal 1:10). This does not prohibit the elder from receiving a fair return for honest toil. Peter, like Paul, accepted the ordinance of Christ that “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (Lk 10:7; 1Ti 5:18). But Peter is warning against taking up the work because of a desire for material gain, “it being a shameful thing for a shepherd to feed the sheep out of love to the fleece.” To enter the ministry simply because it offers a respectable and intellectually stimulating way of gaining a livelihood is to prostitute that sacred work. This warning also includes the temptation to use the work of the ministry to gain personal popularity or social influence. When a love for gain reigns, the shepherds are prone to become mere hirelings, feeding themselves at the expense of the flock. "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/1peter_verse_by_verse_51-14.htm#sordid