1 Timothy 6:2b-5
What is written? (ESV)
Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
What does it say?
Insist on these things in your teaching. Anyone teaching a “different doctrine” is “puffed up” and doesn’t agree with the sound words of Jesus and teaching that agrees with godliness. These people crave controversy and arguments over words, which only produces envy, division, slander, evil doubt, and churning. They have depraved minds and are devoid of any truth. They think godliness is a way to profit.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s instructions to Timothy, a young preacher. He has just concluded identifying several different roles/groups within the church before turning here to warn against false teachers and being content in all things.
How 1 Timothy 6:2b-5 is applied across Bible answers
What is a false teacher?
Fundamentally, the false teacher’s motivation is self-serving and personal gain.
