Page 63 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 10:16-17. 16 “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore, be as shrewd
as snakes and as innocent as doves. 17 Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local
councils and be flogged in the synagogues.

When is it appropriate for a Christian to confront an abusive person? When is it not
appropriate?

• When is it appropriate for a Christian to confront an abusive employer?
• There may come a time when all slavery as we know it has disappeared, but there will
always be times when one person takes advantage of another person. Give examples.
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I Timothy 6:3-5. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our
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Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have
an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife,
malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have
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been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

I read a story about a Pastor in America who said this: “I don’t want pie

in the sky when I die; I want cash in the stash here and now!” Asked how much
his church is worth, Ike replies, “A lot of money. This is a very successful,

prosperous, multimillion-dollar operation, and I’m very happy to say that.” He
also claims not to know his personal salary, but explains, “It’s whatever I need.”

(Newsweek, Dec. 20, 1982.)

What do you say to someone who makes comments like that?

V4. They understand nothing of the true Gospel.
V5. They think godliness is a means to financial gain.

Paul is saying that ... teachers who promote gain rather than godliness are not from God.
Sound doctrine - spiritually healthy doctrine - is not focused on personal gain, either for the teacher or the pupil,
but on godliness.
Quite often, you can spot a false teacher by his wrong values. If he is living for the things of this world, it should
send up a red flag.
 Paul is saying that teachers who promote gain rather than godliness are not from the Lord.

Identify one or two theological issues that are significant enough to stand up for what is right,
and then identify one or two issues that are not worth fighting over.

1 Timothy 6:6-8. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the
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world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content
with that.
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