Effects of false doctrine3-4Anyone teaching false doctrine that does not agree with the words of truth given by our Lord Jesus Christ and other godly teachers is clearly conceited without any real understanding of the truth.5He loves to be involved in controversial discussions and will quarrel about the interpretation of words. This only leads to jealousy and division. People even speak blasphemously and undermine confidence in others. Because of their continual wranglings, their minds become corrupted and they allow themselves to be robbed of the truth. They are more concerned with financial rewards than with godliness.True godliness brings real rewards6However, true godliness brings real rewards.7For we were born with nothing and we can take nothing with us when we die.8-9We should be content with having enough to eat and wear, for people who aim to become wealthy fall into temptation and a trap laid by the devil. Their many foolish and harmful desires will plunge them into spiritual ruin and destruction.10Having a love for money is the root of many forms of evil. Some are so desperate to be rich they have strayed away from the faith and have only caused themselves many problems.11But you are a man of God and are to run from all such fleshly desires so that you can pursue a righteous way of life, full of godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.12So fight the good fight of the faith, living in the good of the eternal life given you when you were called, when you made your public confession of faith in Christ Jesus.13-14I charge you before God, who is the source of all life, and before Christ Jesus, who made His good confession while testifying to Pontius Pilate, keep this command with a pure heart.15At His appointed time, God will cause the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. And God is the Blessed One, the only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords.16He alone is immortal and He lives in unapproachable light, so brilliant that no-one has seen or could see Him as He is. To Him belongs all honour and power forever. Amen! It shall be so!
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)