“Withdraw Yourself” (1 Tim 5:17-6:7)

“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... who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” (1 Tim 6:3-5).

Withdraw from every false prophet who doesn't preach godliness from a sincere heart. If he uses the bible to self-promote, get money, or is unfaithful to God's grace, then reject and stay away from him, lest you fall into the same pit.

The gospel is SERIOUS business. It is not something where we go by how we feel or what we think, but we SCRUPULOUSLY and devotedly follow the Son, as is.

If the pastor is faithful, then he is to be paid and honored for his service, even as the laboring ox that pulls the cart is allowed to eat of the grain while working. We support these faithful men, receive not accusations against them, and we OPENLY reprove those who won't repent, so that others may fear - (1 Tim 5:17-22) “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages.' Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”

All men are not called to the pastorate, and there are clear qualifications for those who are. You and I are not to ordain or call men who haven't been proved, who haven't shown their devotion to Christ. We are to wait to see if good or bad works adorn them, and we're to act upon such. We cannot see everything, but as far as we can, judge righteously, refusing the self-serving and receiving God sent men who labor for the glory of God in thankfulness to Christ and not to take or acquire gain from men - (1 Tim 5:23-25) “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid”.

If you're a servant, then serve the boss wholeheartedly, doing him good. If he is a believer, then he benefits from your labors as one loved of God - “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” (1 Tim 6:1-2).

But, anyone who denies godliness, who doesn't teach you how to follow Christ unto good works, is to be shunned and rejected. The gospel is a lifestyle, and all who refuse to honor Christ in conduct are lost. All who appear holy but do so to please men, earn favor, and fatten their bellies are FALSE prophets and not to be heard, supported, or helped in any spiritual way - (1 Tim 6:4-5)“he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 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.”

Choose which team you're on. Christ's team will fare well at the Judgment, and He will say, “Well done, you good and faithful servant” (Matt 24:21). Everyone else will regret their birth and will regret their rebellion forever (Matt 26:24).

The gospel takes men from sinfulness to holiness by GIVING us eternal life FREELY, and then motivating us, like Paul, by this matchless grace, so that what we do is “thank you” for heaven earned, hell payed for already, and GRACE freely and without human provocation, given.