I Timothy 6:3-16

 Watch out for prideful money driven teachers—vs. 3-5 ◦ A. Paul again warns Timothy of false teachers who think they know something, but really know nothing. ◦ I Timothy 1:7, “They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.”

 Watch out for prideful money driven teachers—vs. 3-5 ◦ I have a suspicion that Paul was warning Timothy about those who had been attacking Paul’s apostleship and leading the Corinthian church astray with false teachings. ◦ II Corinthians 11:1-7, 13-15

 The church must guard against unhealthy controversies which usually are based upon opinion and lead to disunity. ◦ Envy—against the one who won the argument ◦ Strife—bitter discord—seeks to bind opinion as law ◦ Malicious or abusive language—blasphemies, insults ◦ Mistrust & evil suspicions—suspect every action of your opponent as evil  II Timothy 2:23, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.”

 The love of money is driven by discontentment. ◦ Paul said that the false teachers in verse 3 thought that godliness was a means to financial gain. ◦ But, he says in verse 6 that godliness with contentment is great gain.

 I Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.” ◦ Real joy in this life comes from being content no matter your circumstances. ◦ “Don’t become discontent when those around you appear to be better off than you.” ◦ Rather you continue to live a godly life, and be content that God will take care of you.  Hebrews 13:5-6

Love of money can be understood like this, “An unreasonable desire for what we do not have and a dissatisfaction with what we do have.” Covetousness

The Bible gives us many examples to learn from. Achan’s family—Joshua 7 Judas Iscariot—Matthew 26 & 27 Ananias & Sapphira—Acts 5 Rich Young ruler—Luke 18

True life and riches only come through faith and obedience to Jesus Christ!