“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching; he is conceited and understands nothing.” 1 Timothy 6:3
How would you like to be taught by a conceited teacher who understands nothing? Is that even possible? To understand nothing? Zilch? Zero?
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, says that a teacher who doesn’t agree with Jesus Christ and God’s Word is conceited (full of himself) and understands nothing (empty of truth and sound doctrine ) that is of any real value.
An unbelieving teacher may know something of worldly value. He may even be a world renowned specialist in his field, but since he doesn’t know the truth of God’s Word, he really knows nothing of any spiritual and eternal value, therefore it is nothing in the sight of God – and nothing as far as Paul is concerned. An unbelieving teacher is a blind guide who leads people astray with false doctrine.
These teachers, instead of teaching truths of faith and life, have an “unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels…who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1 Timothy 6:4-5)
However, Paul goes on to say that Christians should follow the teachings of Biblical teachers; those who trust and teach the truths of God’s Word. Christians should also flee from false teachers.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession.” (1 Timothy 6:11-12)
Paul concludes his letter of 1 Timothy with this warning for believers who may be enticed or intrigued by false teachers.
“Guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge.” (1 Timothy 6:20)
As Christians, we are to guard our eyes, our ears, our hearts, and also guard the truth of God’s Word which has been passed down from generation after generation and entrusted into our care, as it was entrusted to Timothy. We are also to protect ourselves from teachers who understand and teach “nothing.”
May God bless you with His grace, love, and truth!