If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Questions
- When Paul says, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words…” what exactly is he referring to?
- Paul states that this doctrine is “the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness.” Paul covers a lot of ground that Jesus didn’t. Is that what he means by “doctrine which is according to godliness”?
- Do you know any conceited Bible teachers? Do you know any that are obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles? If so, why do you think these types of people are still allowed to teach?
- Do you know anybody who lives their lives with the mindset of “godliness is a means of gain”?
- What does Paul say we should do when we encounter these types of Christians?
- How can we realistically pursue a life of godliness with contentment? I don’t know about you, but I think I would like to hear a lot more sermons about that instead of more sermons on tithing… just a thought.
- Could you honestly say that you’re content with food and clothing? If you can, how do you manage that?
- Are you determined to be rich? Why?
- What did Jesus say about loving money?
