“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,” (1 Timothy 6:3).
It may come as a surprise to learn that the word “doctrine” appears eight times within the 113 verses of the Biblical book of 1 Timothy. Since this word recurs once every fourteen verses on average within this epistle, (1) that provides us with a good opportunity to define its importance once more.
In this context, “doctrine” corresponds to the things we believe regarding God, humanity, Christ, the church and other related subjects. When it comes to the Biblical Scriptures, there are only two types of doctrine: true and false. True doctrine is a belief that conforms to what the Bible teaches. False doctrine is a belief that conforms to something else.
One effective way to separate true and false doctrine involves reading a portion of the Scriptures each day with an attitude of of humility and prayer. This will not only build our understanding of God’s Word but also help us identify false teachings wherever we encounter them. As one source comments, “Some of the most dangerous teaching in the church isn’t done from a pulpit, but in informal, private conversations.” (2)
This reminds us that “doctrine” is not the exclusive domain of preachers, scholars, or seminary professors. You see, everyone holds various doctrines- and everyone acts upon those doctrinal beliefs through their choices, opinions, and actions. In other words, people generally act upon what they believe whether or not they realize it. If someone holds an unbiblical doctrine, he or she is certain to act upon it eventually.
Another commentator identifies the dangers associated with false doctrine from a leadership perspective…
“The concluding section of this letter is addressed to the personal needs of Timothy as a minister. He writes first of the motives of the minister. One wrong motive is pride, which is stated in 1Ti_6:4. The results of such an unworthy motive are given in 1Ti_6:3:
(1) He will teach a different doctrine.
(2) He is not satisfied with the healthy words of the gospel.
(3) Nor does he want a teaching that produces godliness.
A love for self and position, produces a message to satisfy self and those who would be foolish enough to follow. To advance self as an authority we must discount God’s Word as the only source of authority. When such happens we can be sure such teaching as will be given will not produce healthy, strong Christians, but stunted and diseased heretics. When God and His Son are not the center of our motive for preaching, we can know the products of our preaching will not be godly.” (3)
(1) New King James Version
(2) Guzik, Dave, 1 Timothy 6 – Riches and Godliness, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-timothy-6/
(3) Don De Welt, Paul’s Letters to Timothy and Titus, [Comment on 1 Timothy 6:3] College Press, Joplin, Missouri Copyright 1961