Sound Doctrine According to Godliness Is Not for Gain

1 Timothy 6:3-5 NKJV

After Paul encouraged servants (Christian slaves) to honor and obey their unbelieving masters that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed (v.1), he told them to respect their believing masters; they are followers of Christ so serve them well (v.2). 

Then Paul addressed godliness. On a prior occasion he urged Timothy to command others that they teach no other doctrine (1 Tim.1:3). “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness (v.3), he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions (v.4), useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (v.5).

Paul said that anyone not teaching sound doctrine does not agree with the godly teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sound doctrine is spiritual healing and health; Jesus came for those that are sick. False teachers cause division in the body of Christ; they disagree with Paul’s teachings, and he said they would be dealt with. They are rebellious against truth and do not desire solid and healthful food. Paul described them as self-conceited and spiritually ignorant – not knowing doctrine which is according to godliness. They are deprived of truth and believe that godliness is a means of gain. Paul urged believers to withdraw from them. 

Today, lift your voice and give God glory!