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. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.” (1 Timothy 6:3–4 (ESV)
When interpreting a portion of Scripture, it is essential, not optional, to examine the immediately preceding context. The Apostle Paul began today’s featured text with the following words, “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.”
Paul did not write this verse with a casual disregard of what he previous wrote. Rather, he made this statement in full awareness of all he previously communicated to Timothy in chapters 5:1-6:2. He was warning Timothy about false teachers and false teaching. Let us examine the Lord’s thoughts through the apostle phrase by phrase.
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine” refers the reader to the subjects of (1) the proper church relationships between men and women (5:1-2); (2) honoring widows (5:3-16); (3) church elders (5:17-25); and (4) bondservants and their masters (6:1-2). The phrase teaches a different doctrine (ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ; heterodidaskalei) means to presently, actively and deliberately teach what is in opposition to the Word of God. This applies to not only the immediate context but also the entire overall context of Scripture.
John Calvin explains, “The word ἑτεροδιδασκαλεῖ, being a compound, may also, not improperly, be translated, teacheth other things Yet there is no ambiguity as to the meaning; for he condemns all those who do not agree with this manner of teaching, although they do not openly and avowedly oppose sound doctrine. It is possible that he who does not profess any wicked or open error may yet, by endeavoring to insinuate himself by means of silly babbling, corrupt the doctrine of godliness; for, when there is no progress, and no edification in the doctrine itself, there is already a departure from the ordinance of Christ.”
“… and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul then used a second scenario. To not agree with (προσέρχεται; proserchetai) means to presently, personally and deliberately disagree with someone about something. In this case, the individual is disagreeing with the sound (ὑγιαίνουσι; hygiainousi) or healthy words (λόγοις; logois) or statements solely originating from the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, the person is objecting to the very words of God.
“This clause is intended to explain the former. It frequently happens that such men as are here described, carried away by foolish curiosity, despise everything that is useful and solid, and thus indulge in wanton freaks, like unruly horses. And what is this but to reject the sound words of Christ? for they are called “sound” or “healthful,” because they give health to us, or are fitted to promote it,” continues Calvin.
“…and the teaching that accords with godliness.” This third phrase refers to God’s revelation regarding personal godliness. Teaching (διδασκαλίᾳ; didaskalia) refers to instruction and education. Godliness (εὐσέβειαν; eusebeian) is personal piety and holiness.
“This has the same meaning with the former clause; for the “doctrine” will not be consistent with “godliness,” if it does not instruct us in the fear and worship of God, if it does not edify our faith, if it does not train us to patience, humility, and all the duties of that love which we owe to our fellowmen. Whoever, therefore, does not strive to teach usefully, does not teach as he ought to do; and not only so, but that doctrine is neither godly nor sound, whatever may be the brilliancy of its display, that does not tend to the profit of the hearers,” concludes Calvin.
“Paul identifies three characteristics of false teachers: 1) they teach “a different doctrine”—a different teaching that contradicts God’s revelation in Scripture (Gal. 1:6–9); 2) they do “not agree with the sound words”—they do not accept sound, healthy teaching, specifically the teaching contained in Scripture (2 Pet. 3:16); and 3) they reject “teaching that accords with godliness”—teaching not based on Scripture will always result in an unholy life. Instead of godliness, false teachers will be marked by sin (2 Pet. 2:10–22; cf. Jude 4, 8–16),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Notice the comparison between I Timothy 1:3-4, 10 and I Timothy 6:3-4)
Chapter One: Chapter Six.
Certain individuals (vs. 3). Anyone (vs. 3).
Teaching differently (vs. 3) Teaching differently (vs. 3).
Disputes (vs. 4). Controversies (vs. 4).
Sound doctrine (vs. 10) Sound words (vs. 3).
As Calvin noted, false teachers provide “the brilliancy of its display, that does not tend to the profit of the hearers.” False teachers are creative and entertaining, but have no substance or lasting value.
What about their character? When next we meet, we will see a consistency of character all false teachers possess.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 