… 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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