November 13 2026

Friday, November 13

1 Timothy 6:3–5

When Truth Is Replaced by Pride

“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, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 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.”

Welcome to Pastor’s Chat. One of the greatest dangers facing the church is not always opposition from the outside. Sometimes the greatest danger comes from those within the church who begin to substitute their own ideas for the truth of God's Word. As we continue in 1 Timothy chapter 6, Paul returns to a subject that he has addressed repeatedly throughout this letter: the danger of false teaching.

In verse 3, Paul describes those who teach something contrary to the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine that produces godliness. Notice that expression: the doctrine that accords with godliness. Paul is reminding Timothy that sound doctrine and godly living belong together. The purpose of biblical teaching is not simply to increase our knowledge. It is to transform our lives. A person may know a great deal about theology, understand biblical languages, and be able to debate difficult passages of Scripture. But if that knowledge does not produce humility, holiness, and love, something is terribly wrong. The Bible was never intended merely to make us smarter. God gave us His Word to make us more like His Son.

Then Paul identifies the attitude that often accompanies false teaching. In verse 4, he says that such a person is proud, yet knows nothing. What a striking contrast! Here is someone who thinks he knows everything, but in reality he has missed the most important truth. Pride has a way of blinding us to our own spiritual condition. Proverbs 16:18 reminds us that pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Paul continues by describing an unhealthy obsession with disputes and arguments over words.

Now, there is certainly a proper place for defending biblical truth. In fact, Paul has instructed Timothy to do exactly that. But there is a tremendous difference between defending the faith and simply enjoying an argument. Some people seem more interested in winning a debate than winning a soul. Others become so consumed with minor controversies that they neglect the great truths of Scripture. And notice the results Paul identifies: envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, and constant friction. Instead of producing spiritual maturity, this kind of teaching produces division and confusion.

That should remind us of something important. We must not judge a ministry merely by how impressive its teacher appears or how many people are attracted to it. We must ask whether its teaching is faithful to Scripture and whether it encourages genuine godliness. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16 that we would recognize false prophets by their fruits.

Then in verse 5, Paul describes people whose minds have become corrupted and who are destitute of the truth. And he identifies another troubling characteristic. They suppose that godliness is a means of financial gain. In other words, they view religion as an opportunity for personal profit. How tragic when someone takes the sacred truths of God's Word and uses them primarily as a means of enriching himself! Now, Scripture certainly teaches that those who labor faithfully in ministry may receive financial support. Paul has already addressed that in chapter 5.

But there is a vast difference between receiving legitimate support for ministry and exploiting spiritual things for personal gain. The ministry must never become a business in which the Gospel is treated as merchandise. And here is a question every one of us should consider. Am I more concerned about being recognized as right, or about actually walking in the truth? We should study the Scriptures diligently. We should be willing to defend sound doctrine. And we should never compromise the truth of God's Word. But we must always do so with humility, love, and a sincere desire to honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

Because genuine spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we can argue. It is demonstrated by how faithfully we obey the Word of God. May the Lord help us to be people who not only know the truth but also live it.

Let's pray. Our gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for the truth of Your precious Word. Protect our hearts from pride and from the temptation to place our own opinions above Your revelation. Give us discernment to recognize false teaching and courage to stand faithfully for sound doctrine. But Lord, help us always to speak the truth in love. May our knowledge of Scripture produce genuine humility, holiness, and compassion. Keep our motives pure, and may everything we teach and do bring glory to our Savior, Jesus Christ. In His wonderful name we pray. Amen.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!