Hi guys!

Last two traits of the false teachers today. Leave a comment if you have any feedback or discussion on the videos / Bible study!

Here is the text:

1 Timothy 6:5, “[He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.“

Interesting points:
1. In this verse Paul completes the list of traits common to all who promote messages contrary to the Gospel with the last two: unceasing argumentativeness and entering the ministry to become wealthy. As discussed on yesterday, these traits are listed to better protect the flock from the harmful influence of those that seek to lead them astray with false doctrine.

2. The Greek word for “constant friction” is the root for the English word “diatribe”, helping us understand the harsh, stubborn and abusive temperament of the false teacher, especially when confronted with resistance to his words/teachings. The “corrupt mind” is one that has strayed from God and His truth and cannot seize hold nor effectively handle -- let alone preach -- the Word faithfully.

3. After this laundry list of horrible traits, most of us would be scratching our heads of why someone would seek to preach/teach and bring God’s judgment on himself. This verse provides the answer: such a man has not seized hold of the Truth and it is definitely not in him! Rather, his primary motivation for “righteous conduct” is making a financial profit: when financial lean times come the false teacher will be quick to move to greener pastures or squeeze his congregation to maintain his own standard of living. 2 Timothy 3:5 warns us against such people, which will be more and more as we approach the end of days. It says, “They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

Application.
Brothers, this has been an insightful section helping us identify the “wolves in shepherd’s clothing”: false teachers who manipulate God’s Word to cunningly meet their own agenda of financial gain. All these traits are underpinned by pride. Besides sharpening our discernment with regards to false teachers, this verse in particular helps us focus in on the way we handle disagreements and points differing from our own as well as the reason that we choose to live righteously.

We can ask ourselves whether we look at our relationship with God as transactional (if I obey, then God will bless me( or whether we do things merely because we hunger for intimacy and pleasing our Lord.

May we avoid the transactional relationship for, like the false teacher who becomes restless when income dries up, our faith will be seriously tested -- if not collapse – when blessings don’t fall into our laps despite our commitment to living righteously.