useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
I Timothy 6:5 NKJV
Yes, there are many who would rather use the idea of religion as a means to gain all the things of this world that their carnal hearts desire. There are those who seek religion as a means to get the prosperity, security, health, wealth, success – all temporal things that appeal to the carnal nature.
And we are to withdraw ourselves from such deceitful (or deceived) people, because they do not desire the blessings of the one true God nor do they serve Him, they have a different master that they serve.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
I Timothy 6:3 NKJV
Yes, those who are ashamed of the Word of God, those who hate the truth, and who would rather fashion God in their own image to suit their own opinions and desires – those who have no interest in Godliness and who actually hate the instruction of God because they love another master – their doctrine is not in accord with godliness. They allow lasciviousness within their midst because they love wickedness, not God.
For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:4 NKJV
Anyone who tells you that you can say a sinner’s prayer, pay a tithe, read your Bible, join a church and remain comfortable continuing to live a life of “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness” – we have to ask ourselves if they are liars, serving the enemy – because the Word of God tells us “that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Now 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, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
I Timothy 6:6-10 NKJV
Yes, seeing the huge followings of false teachers who have bought into this profitable scheme – selling the promises of prosperity and open forgiveness for those happy to remain in their sin while lying about their love for God with their mouths. These men make merchandise of the people who don’t really love God and do not want to serve God. Isn’t it clear that so many have strayed from the faith in their greediness, when we are told to be content with food and clothing, with our needs having been met – instead of chasing after the “wants” of this world.
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18 NKJV
Yes, there is a vast difference between the gospel of the Word of God and what most hirelings are selling to their great congregations of followers.
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Philippians 3:17-21 NKJV
While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage. For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”
II Peter 2:19-22 NKJV
Harold J. Ballinger 