WARNINGS. 1st Timothy 6:3 -10 Some people find their way among God's people and, occasionally, use subtlety to enter an assembly. Usually, it doesn't take long to see what a person is really like, so there should be no rush to bring someone into the fellowship of believers, even if they come with a letter from an unknown source. Those who teach false doctrine often want to argue their points based on their knowledge of theology or education. Their perspective of a doctrine and their point of view are more important to them than what we have received from our Lord Jesus Christ. Disagreements over words and practices they dislike become a big deal as they find fault with tried and proven practices of assemblies that have been a testimony for years where the Lord has placed His name.
Some want to make money from preaching and want a position of authority and perhaps even superiority over others who they believe are less capable of thinking than themselves. They may be able to articulate their opinions in a way that sounds right to the extent that some may believe what they say. To argue with them is a waste of time and an exercise in futility. Just stay away from such controversies that disrupt the people and work of God. Actually, they are rejecting "the words of our Lord Jesus Christ," which is a rejection of Him personally. In their pride, they are challenging Him as the Source of all truth.
The “wholesome words” in verse three are words of moral and spiritual purity. Fundamental truths about righteous and holy living should be reviewed in every assembly periodically. Those who lead the Lord’s people and those who teach sound doctrine should not hesitate to revisit topics that have already been covered. Humans tend to ignore and forget what they know is right unless something happens to them personally that causes them to pause.
The apostle Paul revisits the topic he mentioned in chapter one, verse three. His warning against false teachers becomes more detailed because they oppose the words of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who live by obeying the words of our Lord will be spiritually healthy, which is shown by godliness in their lives.
In verse four, those false teachers are described as quarrelsome and contentious. They understand nothing of the purpose and meaning of the word of God. Foolish and careless speculation about words can lead to confusion and division. Reading the scriptures in the context of the passage and comparing what is said with other scriptures dealing with similar matters will help us avoid controversy, envy, strife, evil speaking, and suspicion.
Teaching from ungodly men is pointless because they have corrupt minds that are far from God's truth. Verse five shows their goal is to use their role as spiritual advisors to get rich, and they see wealth as a sign of their godliness and God’s favor. The Lord warned about these people when He was here, and Paul confirms that. When we hear of those preaching a “prosperity Gospel,” we know to avoid them, their teachings, and their organizations.
The primary motivation for some to teach is envy. They desire what others possess, such as prestige, popularity, or financial support. Conflicts also arise from disagreements and contradictions that divide people. Reasonable dialogue is common among believers, but those who insist their opinions must be accepted or who become controversial should be avoided. They often attack those who reject their false doctrines, using malicious talk to condemn others. Evil surmising undermines trust with hidden motives behind the words. "Perverse disputing of corrupt minds" causes ongoing tension and quarrels, leading to a spirit of division among those who listen to such talk.
The false teachers have been exposed to the truth and understand what it is. However, they pursue a pseudo-Christianity focused on speculation, rhetoric, and verbal skill derived from higher education, rather than straightforward biblical interpretation that leaves no questions.