“and constant bickering by people corrupted in their minds and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a way of making a profit” (1 Timothy 6:5 NET).
“He that serves God for money will serve the Devil for better wages.” (1)
Unlike those who are mentioned here in 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul the Apostle worked to maintain a high standard of financial integrity. For instance, Paul was willing to resort to outside employment to ease any concern regarding his financial motives…
“For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us” (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
This set the right leadership example for others in an important way. You see, this decision served to undercut anyone who might seek to discredit Paul’s ministry by asserting that “he was only in it for the money.” Since there were many who sought to peddle the Word of God for profit, this example set Paul apart from those who viewed religion (or Christianity in particular) as a business opportunity.
Two commentators offer valuable insights regarding this passage that are worthy of our attention…
” Christianity is commonly presented today on the basis of what you will gain by following Jesus: personal success and happiness, a stronger family, a more secure life. These things may be true to some degree, but we must never market the gospel as a product that will fix every life problem. When the gospel is marketed this way, it makes followers of Jesus who are completely unprepared for tough times.
After all, if the ‘Jesus product’ isn’t working, why not try another brand? Also, this sales approach takes the focus off Jesus Himself, and puts the focus on what He will give us. Many have their hearts set on the blessings, not the One who blesses us.” (2)
“There are some who use the guise of godliness as a means of profit. They take advantage of people who want to know God better and convince them that if they send money they will achieve status with God. They are motivated by greed and often use greed to motivate their followers. Paul said to turn away from those kinds of people. Turn the channel. The alternative is to realize that real gain comes when we learn to be content with what we have and pursue godliness with alt our hearts.” (3)
(1) Sir Roger L’Estrange (1616-1704), Fables, of Aesop and other eminent mythologists : with morals and reflections [pg. 156] https://archive.org/details/fablesofaesopoth00lest
(2) Guzik, Dave, 1 Timothy 6 – Riches and Godliness, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-timothy-6/
(3) Chuck Smith, The Word For Today Bible, study note on 1 Timothy 6:5,6 pg 1593