These are the things you are to teach and insist on. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our 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 been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 1Tim. 6:3-5
In our current environment of "likes" or "followers" or subscriptions = success or popularity or even value, it's not surprising that this has made it into pastoral ministry. Since I spend a good deal of time on Twitter, I get pretty good glimpses of this passage in 1Timothy 6 being played out.
First of all there is the reformed group. I block every one of them. All they want to do is argue and show how intelligent they are and every system of theology other than theirs is wrong. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.
Then there are the prosperity name it claim it teachers who this passage is literally talking about. They think that Godliness is a means to financial gain.
Then there are the politically right Christian activists who think Trump is God's right hand man. They also have a group of prophets that they listen to. They have conspiracy theories of Deep State and if there is anyone that stirs up strife, malicious talk and evil suspicions and constant friction, this is the group.
Just ignore these people. Don't give them a platform or even waste your time arguing. Remember, God's servant doesn't quarrel. When you are looking for a pastor, try to find a humble one. It all starts there.
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