1 Timothy 6:5 – “And constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Paul continues his strong warning about false teachers. He describes the kind of people who stir up division in the church-not by accident, but because their hearts and minds are corrupt. They no longer see the truth clearly, and they’ve twisted godly living into a way to make money.
Paul says these individuals create constant friction. That means ongoing tension, arguments, and conflict. It doesn’t go away because it comes from deep inside-from a broken way of thinking. Their minds are not guided by truth but by selfish motives.
Worst of all, they think godliness is a tool to get rich. Instead of seeing faith as a way to know and love God, they treat it like a business opportunity. Paul exposes their real goal: not godliness, but greed.
Historical Context
Paul was writing to Timothy, a young pastor in Ephesus, where some in the church had gone off course. False teachers had crept in, spreading bad doctrine and stirring up trouble. Some of them were using religion to gain a following, get wealthy, or grow in influence.
This wasn’t new-religion had always been used by some people for personal gain. In both Jewish and pagan cultures, there were leaders who manipulated others for money and power. Paul had seen this before and wanted Timothy to stay far away from it.
At the time, the early church was growing, and with that growth came opportunities for some to twist the message. Paul draws a clear line: any teaching that turns godliness into a way to get rich has missed the heart of the gospel entirely.
Theological Implications
This verse shows us how dangerous it is when someone’s view of God and faith becomes centered on money. Greed isn’t just a bad habit-it’s a spiritual disease. When someone believes that godliness should lead to wealth, they’ve misunderstood both God and the gospel.
God never promised that following Him would lead to riches. In fact, Jesus often warned about the dangers of money (Matthew 6:24, Luke 12:15). Faith is about knowing God, not using Him.
This verse also shows that truth can be lost. People who once may have known the truth can drift so far that they become spiritually blind. Their hearts become darkened, and they stop seeking God’s glory and start seeking their own.
Literary Analysis
Paul uses sharp and direct language. He describes these people as having “corrupt minds,” meaning their thinking is twisted and morally spoiled. They’ve been “robbed of the truth”-a vivid phrase that shows how far they’ve fallen. They no longer possess or recognize what’s real and right.
The phrase “constant friction” adds to the sense of unease and tension. Their presence in the church doesn’t bring peace or unity-it causes conflict wherever they go.
The final phrase-“who think that godliness is a means to financial gain”-is a powerful indictment. It shows the root issue: they’re not in it for God at all. They’re using the appearance of religion to chase money.
Biblical Cross-References
- Titus 1:11 – “They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach-and that for the sake of dishonest gain.”
- 2 Peter 2:3 – “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.”
- Acts 8:18–20 – Simon the sorcerer tries to buy the power of the Holy Spirit; Peter rebukes him harshly.
- Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve both God and money.”
- Philippians 3:19 – “Their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a clear warning for believers to watch out for people who use religion for personal gain. We still see this today-leaders who promise blessings in exchange for money, or ministries that care more about profit than people.
Christians should not be drawn to flashy, money-driven versions of faith. Instead, we are called to pursue truth, humility, and contentment. If we see someone constantly causing drama, obsessed with wealth, and twisting Scripture for their own benefit, we need to step back and hold firm to what is true.
This verse also challenges each of us to examine our own hearts. Are we following Jesus because we love Him-or are we hoping for something else in return?
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God loves His people too much to stay silent when they are being misled. This verse is part of His loving warning. Just like a parent warns a child about danger, God warns us about spiritual deception-especially when it’s tied to greed.
God’s love is never for sale. He freely gives grace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Trying to turn faith into a business deal goes against everything He stands for. That’s why He calls out false teachers so clearly-because He wants His people to walk in truth and joy, not be taken advantage of.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus faced the same kind of religious corruption in His time. He often rebuked the Pharisees, who used their position for status, power, and gain (Matthew 23:25). He drove the moneychangers out of the temple because they had turned a place of worship into a place of profit (John 2:14–16).
Jesus didn’t come to gain riches-He came to give Himself. He taught His followers to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19–21). His life and teaching stand in complete contrast to the mindset Paul warns about here.
When we follow Jesus, we are called to a different path-one of service, truth, and sacrificial love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Have you ever seen someone use faith or religion for personal gain? What was the outcome?
- How can we tell the difference between true godliness and a showy, profit-driven version of faith?
- What does it mean to you that godliness is not a path to wealth, but a life of contentment?
- Are there teachings or influences in your life that may be shaping your view of success in an unbiblical way?
- How does Jesus’ example challenge the way you think about money, service, and spiritual leadership?