False Teachers (1 Timothy 6:2b-5)

Why did Timothy need to teach and urge these things? What are the “these things?” What might be the difference between teaching and urging?

Is there really a different doctrine? “Does not agree….”

• Is it really up to us whether or not we agree with Jesus’ teaching?
• How can someone disagree with what the Lord has said?

How is the teaching of Jesus sound? How is the teaching of Jesus that which accords with godliness?

The one who teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the teaching of Jesus is “puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.” How is such a teacher “puffed up with conceit?”

• Are all false teachers puffed up with conceit?
• If a teacher does not realize he is teaching error, is he still puffed up with conceit? Why or why not?

Why does a false teacher understand nothing?

In what way(s) might a false teacher have an unhealthy craving for controversy? Is a craving for controversy always bad? Why or why not? Can you think of some modern teachers who have a craving for controversy?

How do quarrels about words lead to controversy?

Those who crave controversy and quarrel about words produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction. How does false teaching produce envy? How does false teaching produce dissension? How does false teaching produce slander? How does false teaching produce evil suspicions? How does false teaching produce constant friction? How can people be depraved in mind? How can people be deprived of the truth?

Why would people imagine godliness to be a means of gain? What are some biblical examples of people who considered godliness to be a means of gain? What are some modern examples of people who considered godliness to be a means of gain?