The Evils of Reward

Salem Bible Study
Teachings on Community

1 Timothy 6:3-10 (The Message)

 ^2-5 These are the things I want you to teach and preach. If you have leaders there who teach otherwise, who refuse the solid words of our Master Jesus and this godly instruction, tag them for what they are: ignorant windbags who infect the air with germs of envy, controversy, bad-mouthing, suspicious rumors. Eventually there's an epidemic of backstabbing, and truth is but a distant memory. They think religion is a way to make a fast buck.  ^6-8 A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
 ^9-10 But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.

For Reflection

What with so many demoninations and so many versions of Christianity, how can one sort the righteous from the unrighteous?  What standard do you use to sort the true teachers from the false teachers? 

Pray for the wisdom to unravel the mystery of truth.  Pray that in judging you do not become judgmental.  Pray that the church rejects the seduction of all kinds of reward and remains true to its mission as a disciple of Christ.