… and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
Summary: Paul continues his warning about people who ‘teach otherwise’ and focuses on money as a motive.
When you think of “financial gain,” what is the first thing that comes to mind? It probably isn’t standing on a street corner preaching the Gospel to people who are walking by. However, some people have figured out how to squeeze a nickel out of preaching, and Paul isn’t happy about it.
When Paul was staying in Corinth, he made a point not to be a burden to them. He proudly refused any money so that no one could question his motives in preaching to them (2 Corinthians 11:5-11).
Adhering to the pure Gospel is Paul’s highest priority. Peter is another who warns against false teachers and says, “ In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories” (2 Peter 2:3).
Jude, also, warns about such people when he writes, “Woe to them! They have taken the way of Cain; they have rushed for profit into Balaam’s error; they have been destroyed in Korah’s rebellion” (Jude 1:11).
So accepting money for preaching the Gospel is wrong. Right?
Well, no. Not exactly.
Remember Paul saying this:
“For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.’” (1 Timothy 5:18)
Jesus himself said almost the exact same thing (Luke 10:7).
It is not the money that Paul objects to; it is the motive.
People who see godliness as a means to financial gain are not looking at the “God” part of godliness. They are actually looking at the money. For them, godliness is just a means to an end.
This is why Jesus’ words about judging others are so important:
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1)
We cannot see the heart; only God can.
Does that mean we are not to make any judgments at all?
No…
Jesus also said, “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right?” (Luke 12:57). He also says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24).
Like Paul, we have to look past the money. What Paul is looking for is fidelity to the Gospel.
Application: Judge not [the heart], but instead judge correctly [what you see and observe].
Food for Thought: What is Paul’s real concern here? Is he worried about the money?
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I think Paul is, and always is, concerned about the purity of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Both in how it is delivered and how it is received. If the motive is to gain financially, it will adulterate the message in delivery or reception. I believe it really boils down to the promises made. “If one does this, one gets this.” That is a malleable statement because one can say in confidence “If you pray and ask of the Lord, He is faithful to answer” but also one can say “If you do ‘this’, you will be rewarded monetarily” which taints the intent of the Lord’s message. Financial reward is temporary and doesn’t follow someone into Heaven. The true reward for serving is a closer relationship with the Lord, and a closer relationship with those around you through Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:17
17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.
1 Timothy 6:10
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.
Acts 8:20
20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
Thank you, Chris.
I agree. Money has no place in the spiritual realm. Our riches are of a different kind.
Good devotion and good comments and verses CH. I agree with your analysis: “Like Paul, we have to look past the money. What Paul is looking for is fidelity to the gospel.” Paul actually did receive financial help from Philippi (clear in the book of Philippe) precisely because they were partners with him in the gospel. The purity if the gospel message is what is at stake.
Philippians 1: 3 – 5: I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 4: 14 – 19: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Thanks Rich!
Yes, while in this world money is helpful in support of the Gospel.