In a world that is quite ungodly, it might seem strange to be pointing out the problem with how people might be using ‘godliness’. Yet there is a serious trap for people who use godliness as a means of gain (1 Timothy 6:5).
The Philosophy of False Teachers
When Paul tells Timothy to continue to teach what Paul has emphasized, even urging those things on his hearers, he also points out those who stand in opposition. These are the false teachers. Now it’s not obvious that the false teachers wear black hats like the old Westerns. Instead, false teachers have much that is appealing in their teaching. If they didn’t, no one would listen to them.
In a phrase that summarizes the philosophy of false teachers, they “imagine godliness as a means of gain” (1 Tim 6:5). So they have it in their minds that learning, or theology, or Christian culture, or spiritual experience, or anything else connected to godliness, is to be used. The philosophy of false teachers is utilitarian. They want to use Christian things as leverage for their own personal gain. The gain might be financial, or it may simply be the gain of social status. Whatever the gain is, the intention is to use Christianity for personal advancement.
The Trap
It can be an easy escape for some people to think that this only applies to the false teachers, to those who are the really bad ones. But the trap of using Christianity for personal gain remains a deadly prospect for any redeemed sinner.
Of course, the history of Israel had examples of God being used for personal gain by the Israelites. From the golden calf incident (Ex 32) to the idolatrous use of the staff with the bronze serpent on it (2 Kings 18:4), God’s people could be tempted to use God as a means of gain.
Even after Jesus rose from the dead, the disciples still asked, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Their concern was not about the resurrected Christ standing in their midst, but with how his coming was useful or beneficial to Israel. The trap is subtle but very real.
Bloated By Gain
Paul had strong words for the person who imagined godliness was a means of gain. He said:
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
1 Timothy 6:4-5a
The dominant feature of Paul’s description is that of a person who is personally gaining so that they are getting bigger by being puffed up, craving more and more, and so increasing the space they take up, bumping into others more and more.
Sadly our era is seeing a lot of this kind of bloating gain among those who profess Jesus Christ. Because there are so many errors, like the lists of a large menu, they can glut themselves with pride as they tackle each item. But like gluttony at a smorgasbord, their goal is not to satisfy spiritual hunger, but to satisfy unhealthy cravings that are unconnected with the humble, hungry soul.
Grace Not Gain
How different is the description that Paul makes in Ephesians 4:29 when he says:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph 4:29
We are quick to associate this with vulgar talking. However Paul’s command applies to all talk that is not generous in building others up. If it is only tearing down, only expressing demands, then it cannot “give grace to those who hear”.
The problem, in this case, is a fundamental misunderstanding of grace. Grace does not permit error or wink at it, so as to ignore it. Grace recognizes the error, yet expresses undeserved favour. The hearer doesn’t deserve it, but it is given anyway. Further, the correction is given in such a way that a person is moved from error to truth and from confusion to clarity. This is all done with such personal advocacy that the hearer believes that you are on their side personally, even if you disagree doctrinally.
Against Utilitarianism
Christians must be careful not to use godliness as a means of gain. We must also be careful not to use theological discussion as a means of building a Christian market platform. Or to use personal theological study as a tool (weapon!) to elevate ourselves above our peers. Or use book acquisition, celebrity pastor relationships, theological tribe-associations, or any other form of ‘godliness’ as a means of gain. Utilitarianism will rot our souls. We may not have the chance to be false teachers, but we will be complicit in their agendas, no matter how much we publicly crusade against them.
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