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Perverse disputings
(useless wranglings) of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the
truth, supposing that gain is godliness (godliness is a means of gain): from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing let us be therewith content.
But they that desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 0 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith (for which some in
their greediness have strayed from the faith), and pierced themselves through with many
sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:5-10 The book
of 1 Timothy is the first of Paul's epistles to the young pastor Timothy. The purpose of the epistle was to advise Timothy,
having been a fresh new pastor, against false doctrine, protect public worship, and how to develop mature leadership within
the church. Within this book Paul lays out the foundation for ordaining elders, and gives an apostolic guideline for ordaining
men to different sacred offices of the church, a leadership manual for the church if you will. Under the heading in my Bible, " Warning against false teachers", Paul warns Timothy of
those with the false teaching of prosperity doctrine, or the means of acquiring wealth through godliness. This unbiblical
Prosperity theology promotes the belief that God wants Christians to be abundantly or overly successful in every way, with
special emphasis on financial prosperity and exceeding earthly riches. This is not only a fight that the current church is
fighting against, but also a fight that dates back to the earliest foundations of the church. Paul clearly warns Timothy to be aware and "from such withdraw thyself". Paul explains
from whence we came into the world with nothing, we will most defiantly leave with nothing, that we should be content with
food and clothing, and not covet the excesses of riches here on earth, cherishing only the spiritual riches of our Heavenly
Father. Is Paul instructing Timothy (and the church) not to better ourselves? Absolutely not, there are a few key words and
statements we must examine to gain the full understanding of Paul's admonishing of Prosperity theology. The first false belief lies in the belief that somehow earthly
gain is godliness. Financial freedom and prosperity is nice, but to desire or crave such earthly desires to the point of coveting,
here in lies the problem. When leaders in church, pastors specifically, go even further and teach it as a doctrine of the
infallible Word of God, "riches are godliness" it becomes an apostasy. The Word of God says that godliness is the
complete opposite, "godliness with contentment is great gain". Paul is warning Timothy there will be those who will
come to spread this prosperity apostasy, and when they do, flee from their satanic doctrine. The root of evil (all kinds of evil) is the love of money. Money is not the sin, the love of
it is. As Christians our first love is Jesus Christ, for "No servant can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve
God and mammon (riches or material wealth)", Luke
16:13. Here Jesus spells it out, no one can serve the money god, or love it, and serve God.
No servant can have two masters. So once again, Prosperity doctrine is a satanic doctrine, an apostasy. We should do as Paul
instructs Timothy and flee the venomous lies that drip from the fangs of these predatory wolves. God loves us and wants the best for His children. The Word of God
is full of blessings that He pours out upon His faithful children. But if God didn't love us, He wouldn't warn us to steer
clear of the perversions of the devil. God wants our needs to be met, He will provide, but the same as God will not allow
us to be afflicted more than we can handle, He will not give us more (earthly riches) than we can handle. God's will is not
to tempt man, or drive man to covet earthly riches, only the devil wants this fall for man. Below I have included a link,
check out the link to help further your knowledge behind prosperity theology, may the truth set you free. This is our salvation,
our souls, and it is our job to use the Word of God to protect and build ourselves up upon the Rock of Truth. God Bless, daniel |