The making of a Biblical Church leader takes time…and focus… and humility and trust in God’s Word and in God’s people…God has given those who He calls to lead HIS people clear standards, in both the Old Testament and in the writing of the New Testament, by which to live and to govern the church. Thank God for standards!
A part of any people’s culture are the standards to which their leaders are held accountable to. Integrity. Character. Contentment. New Testament Church leaders are called to a high standard!
2b. Teach and urge these things.
- This is regarding what he has written so far…
- It is also about what he is going to close up this letter with [Character]
3 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, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.
- A different doctrine = A different Gospel
- Sound doctrine = the VERIFIED words of our Lord
- Teaching that accords with godliness = Old Testament Scriptures
He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
- This paragraph is about those who disagree with the teachings of Christ
- This is describing such people who claim special knowledge, or the secret…
- They pray on lost people by fostering emotional upheaval: ‘stirring the pot’
- This is the ‘Religious Scam Artist’…One Big Confidence Con [The Sting]
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
- There is a way for religion to be of great gain: Faith that produces contentment!
- “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job @ Job 1:21 [ESV]
- When your hope is set on the next world. you don’t need stuff in this world
- Righteousness that is fully experienced makes for material contentment
- GOSPEL OPERTUNITY!!!
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
- In contrast: those who desire wealth over all else, set their hope on…what?
- God’s Word says if you desire to be rich you will be tempted by STUFF…
- God’s Word says if you long for material things you will get caught in a trap!
- God’s Word says if you are captivated by money…it will lead to destruction!
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
- Not Money itself… it is the LOVE of money that is a gateway to evil, why?
- Money is an idol / Money makes us self-reliant / Money makes us Proud
- This ‘Craving’… what one is devoted to / an indulgence / an uncontrollable urge
- Love of Money = Covetousness [Wanting what is not yours] 10th commandment
- The pursuit of money distracts you from ‘The Faith’ [Salvation OR Discipleship]
- If you are interested in ‘Godliness’, the love of money will hinder your walk
3 BIBLICAL STANDARDS 4 CHRISTIAN LEADERS
1. Adhere to Doctrinal Orthodoxy: Humbly trust in what has been passed down
2. Unite The Body: Focus on the application of what Scripture has always taught
3. Be Content with Modest Lifestyle: Avoiding occupation with money & other evils
3 Responses of Midtown Covenant Members to this passage
DO NOT Tolerate un-Biblical doctrine or teaching [Beware the ‘NEW’]
DO NOT Tolerate the dividing of the Body with controversy and drama
DO NOT Tolerate leaders who are more occupied with money than the Body