SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS (Part 1)
By John C. Carpenter
The great missionary and apostle, Paul, instructed the apostle
Timothy regarding many issues, including false teaching in the early Christian church. Paul wrote, Let as many servants as are under
the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have
believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and
beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words,
even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting
about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt
minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing [to regard or think] that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness
with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food
and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful
lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after,
they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow
after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto
thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Tim 6:1-12). In these verses, Paul not only gives
us valuable doctrinal instructions about gain versus godliness, describes the behavior of false teachers, and lists some personal
characteristics of false teachers, but he specifically emphasizes for us the difference between the desire for and pursuit of gain,
or riches, and the desire for and pursuit of Godliness.
THESE THINGS TEACH AND EXHORT
When Paul told Timothy to teach and
exhort "these things," what was Paul referring to, what things were to be taught and exhorted? Earlier in the epistle, Paul instructed
Timothy to not teach doctrines other than what Paul himself had taught (1 Tim 1:3), to not give heed to fables and endless genealogies
(1 Tim 1:4), that the law was not made for the righteous man, but for the unrighteous, that supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks be made for all men (1 Tim 2: 1-4), that men should pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and
doubting (1 Tim 2:8), and that women should adorn themselves in modest apparel (1 Tim 2:9). Paul then gave the qualifications of a
Bishop (1 Tim 3:1-7), gave the qualifications for a deacon (1 Tim 3:8-13), and warned that some would depart from the true faith in
Christ (1 Tim 4:1). Paul specifically and personally instructed Timothy to remind the brethren of these doctrines (1 Tim 4:6), to
exercise himself unto Godliness (1 Tim 4:7), to be an appropriate example of a believer (1 Tim 4:12), to give attendance to reading,
to exhortation and to doctrine (1 Tim 4:13), not to neglect the gift that was in him [Timothy] (1 Tim 4:14), to meditate upon these
things and to give himself wholly to them (1 Tim 4:15), and, finally, to take heed to himself, and unto these doctrines, and to continue
in them (1 Tim 4:16). Paul then told Timothy how to treat individuals, specifically elderly men, elderly women, widows, young women,
church elders, and sinners (1 Tim 6:1-20). Paul additionally told Timothy to lay hands suddenly on no man (1 Tim 5:22), and to drink
a little wine for his [Timothy's] infirmities (1 Tim 5:23). Then, in our subject verses (1 Tim 6:1-12), Paul exhorted Timothy to teach
two things: (1) servants [slaves] are to honour their masters; and (2) servants who have believing masters are to not despise their
masters, because their masters are not only brothers in Christ, but are also faithful, beloved by God, and partakers of the benefit
[good deed done; i.e., death of Christ]. Regarding all of these doctrines [concepts and teachings], Paul again instructed Timothyto these things, teach and exhort (1 Tim 6:2). There were men who were teaching otherwise, and Paul knew the dangers of this.
IF
ANY MAN TEACH OTHERWISE
Immediately after he outlined all of these doctrines, discussed the importance of servants honoring their
masters, and instructed Timothy to teach and exhort these concepts, Paul said, If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome
words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud... (1 Tim 6:3). Paul
knew that, in the early Christian church, there were false teachers who were teaching "otherwise," who were teaching false doctrines,
doctrines different from what Paul had been teaching, doctrines that were consequently leading some astray from true Christian faith.
Paul specifically explained that: (1) false teachers were teaching that servants are not to honor [humble themselves before] their
masters; (2) false teachers do not consent [approach, come unto] to wholesome [sound, truthful] words, specifically the words of the
Lord Jesus Christ; and (3) false teachers do not teach and emphasize Godliness.
THEY THAT WILL BE RICH
After discussing
false teachers and teaching, Paul said, For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and raiment [clothing] let us be therewith content. But they that will [desire, intend to] be rich [wealthy, increased with goods] fallinto temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown [sink] men in destruction [punishment and death] and
perdition [eternal ruin, loss, damnation]. For the love [insatiable desire] of money is the root [that aspect which nourishes and
promotes the growth] of all evil: which while some coveted [long for, desire] after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrows (1 Tim 6:7-10). Paul makes his point about the vanity of pursuing riches by reminding us that all human
beings have no riches when they are born, will not be able to take riches with them when they die, and that we should simply be contented
with the basic necessities of life such as food and clothing. The apostle then warns that those who desire to be rich, who are lusting
after more than the necessities of life, will cause themselves to become entangled in temporal, worldly temptations and snares, as
well as many foolish and hurtful lusts. He additionally warns that lusting after riches will also carry eternal consequences, God's
judgment and damnation. Speaking to the dynamics of evil, Paul then explains that having an insatiable desire for money supports and
promotes the growth of evil, and causes some to err from true Christian faith, resulting in much sorrow. In these verses, Paul says
a most chilling thing, which I believe is worth repeating. Paul clearly said that some who have lusted after money and riches have
erred from the true Christian faith. Beloved, there are some in the modern day Christian church who are lusting after money and, because
of the deceit of their own hearts, are unaware they are not only living in error, but that they are no longer Christians. Some ministers
are routinely "supposing [in error] that gain is godliness." These ministers promote the damning health, wealth, and prosperity doctrines,
while ignoring the more important doctrines of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, faith, gentleness, goodness, hope, charity, holiness,
godliness, sin, salvation, and the like. The buzz words currently being used to promote these errant doctrines are "increase, sowing,
getting mine, prosperity, abundance, claiming, receiving, inheritance, and promises." Additional terms include "provision, finances,
plenty, blessing, fullness, jubilee, supply, and wealth." In truth, these buzz words simply reflect a subtle [and sometimes not so
subtle], excessive, and misdirected lusting for health, wealth, prosperity, and gain. Paul clearly said that those who covet after
these things have erred from the faith. Additionally, Scriptures instruct us A little that a righteous man hath is better than the
riches of many wicked (Psa 37:16), and Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivered from death (Prov 11:4).
We also know that A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold (Prov 22:1)
and For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation? (Prov 27:24). Possibly the sternest warning of all
comes from the Lord, who said, ...Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly [incapable of being accomplished] enter into
the kingdom of heaven (Mat 19:23). Yet, despite consistent instructions and warnings against lusting after riches, some preachers
and believers continue to make the pursuit of riches and wealth a priority.
RICHES AND HONOR COME OF THEE
The Holy Scriptures
have much to say about riches and the pursuit of them. First of all, Scriptures teach that if an individual is monetarily rich, it
is God who has willed it and has made that individual rich. Scriptures reveal that The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth
low, and lifteth up (1 Sam 2:7), and Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and
might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all (1 Chr 29:12). Similarly, the book of Deuteronomy instructsBut thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which
he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day (Deu 8:18). Second, we know from Scripture that riches not only come from God, but that
God must also grant the ability to enjoy and properly utilize the riches, otherwise the riches are given in vain. The author of the
book of Ecclesiastes wrote, A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all
that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease (Eccl
6:2), while Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion,
and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift [present, reward] of God (Eccl 5:19). Riches without God's blessing are vain; riches
with God's blessing are a Godly gift. Third, Scriptures give us valuable general instructions regarding the pursuit of riches. David
warned, Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them (Psa 62:10), while
in the book of Proverbs we read There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great
riches (Prov 13:7). Regarding the impotence of the rich, we are also warned, They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves
in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him (Psa 49:6-7).
Scriptures also instruct us that ...Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed
shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness
endureth for ever (Psa 112:1-3). God the Father rewards those who fear Him with blessing, wealth, and riches.
HE THAT IS GREEDY
OF GAIN
Not only do Holy Scriptures clearly and repeatedly warn us against the pursuit of worldly, material gain, or greediness,
but instruct us that greediness has certain characteristics and causes certain problems which are overtly observable. First, those
that are greedy for gain cause problems within their own home and family. Scriptures teach He that is greedy of gain troubleth [disturbs,
afflicts] his own house [family, home, home relationships]; but he that hateth gifts shall live (Prov 15:27). Second, greediness corrupts
leaders and rulers, causing them to behave in deceptive, ruthless, and violent ways. The prophet Ezekiel warned of Jerusalem's corrupt,
violent leaders when he said, Her princes [rulers, governors] in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening [tearing to pieces] the
prey, to shed blood , and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain (Ezek 22:27). Those who are greedy for gain cause the lives of individuals
to be torn apart, souls to be destroyed, and blood to be shed [shed blood represents death, literally or figuratively]. Third, the
prophet Isaiah explained that those who pursue gain often use oppression (Isa 33:15). Fourth, the old testament prophet Micah warns
us that For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful
in their mouth (Micah 6:12). Those who are rich, as well as those who are pursuing riches, are often physically and/or politically
violent liars and deceivers. Fifth, those who are greedy are most often spiritually ignorant and blind. Regarding Israel's spiritually
false leaders who were greedy for gain, Isaiah said, All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.
His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.
Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way,
every one for his gain, from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and
to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant [great, mighty, prosperous] (Isa 56:9-12). According to Isaiah, those who are
greedy of gain are spiritually unperceptive, lazy, ignorant, and blind, and therefore unable to warn true believers of dangers that
may lie ahead. Sixth, greediness for riches destroys lives. The book of Proverbs refers to a sinner who is greedy of gain; which taketh
away the life of the owners thereof (Prov 1:19). Seventh, those who are rich are usually arrogant. Referring to rich individuals,
Ezekiel said, By thy great wisdom and by thy traffic hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up [lofty, haughty,
exalted] because of thy riches: (Ezek 28:5). Eighth, and last, Scriptures teach that He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches,
and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want (Prov 22:16). Greediness for gain causes many problems, but the believer
should not be deceived or caught off guard. Scripture instructs believers to examine the fruit of a minister's life, words and doctrines
since the tree is known by his fruit (Matt 12:23). The believer should recognize the fruit found in those who are lusting after gain.
WHAT
IS A MAN PROFITED?
By asking, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall
a man give in exchange for his soul? (Mat 16:26), Christ attempts to motivate us to think seriously about the vanity of pursuing temporal,
material, worldly gain to the exclusion of spiritual and eternal gain. The apostle Paul explained to those in Philippi that he considered
his Jewish heritage, fleshly abilities, knowledge of and ability to keep the Jewish law, as well as his spiritual zeal, as worldly
gain. Yet, Paul then immediately said, But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss [considered a detriment] for [regarding
my ministry and service to] Christ (Phil 3:7). Paul knew that his worldly gain was a hindrance to the work of Christ and the ministry
and calling he had been given by God. Paul described the gain he desired when he said to those in Corinth, For though I be free from
all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more [spiritually and eternally] (1 Cor 9:19). He considered
temporarily being a servant to all in this life, leading to eternal life with Christ, as the desirable gain. Paul also told those
in Philippi, For to me to live [and minister] is [gain for, beneficial to] Christ, and to die [and personally be with Christ] is gain [beneficial
to me] (Phil 1:21). In this verse, Paul mentions two types of gain: the gain of serving Christ through ministry, and the gain of physically
dying and being personally with Christ. Interestingly, Paul never mentioned any other type of gain, particularly prosperity or riches,
because Paul did not consider prosperity and riches desirable or appropriate gain. By allowing Paul to live a season longer, God granted
the apostle Paul continued temporal gain for Christ in this life before he gave Paul the eternal gain of being with Christ. It is
obvious that the apostle certainly recognized the difference between worldly, self-seeking, temporal gain and spiritual, God and man
serving, eternal gain. Modern day Christians should as well. Nevertheless, some in the Christian church continue to pray and ask God
for gain, yet are not receiving it. The reason is because God explains, Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts (James 4:3). AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he
shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart
from evil"
(Proverbs 3:5-7).
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them
by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt
tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every
tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall
know them
(Matthew
7:15-20).
.
Preach the word [of truth, the gospel message]; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering
and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables"
(2 Timothy 4:2-4).
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together
become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used
deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood:
Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before
their eyes
(Romans
3:11-18).
HE BARE THE SIN OF MANY
"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For he shall grow up before
him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty
that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were
our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did
esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned
every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened
not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living:
for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because
he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when
thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall
prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant
justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil
with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of
many, and made intercession for the transgressors"
(Isaiah 53:1-12).
