1Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
‘Teach otherwise’ – Anyone teaching anything contrary to the Words of Christ – that is the Gospel as given in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as the implementing of the Words of Christ as instructed in the 21 epistles as given to us from Romans through to Jude. We are commanded that we are not to greet or receive in our homes (interact socially – Psalm 1:1; 1Corinthians 5:9-13; 2Corintians 6:14 – 7:1, 1John 2:15-17; etc.) those who sin and do not obey the doctrine of Christ otherwise you are a partaker of their evil deeds (2John 1:9-11).
Twelve traits of false teachers: Rebellion against truth (6:3). Pride – inflated and puffed up (6:4). Ignorance of truth. Doting [Greek: noseo, to be sick; metaphorically, to be obsessed] over questions of the law. Debating – splitting hairs and pitting factions against others. Envying – sour tempers. Strives over doctrines. Railings – evil speaking. Evil surmising – suspicions. Perverse and vain arguments, rejecting the truth because of corrupt minds (6:5). Being destitute of truth but rich in fallacies and doctrines of demons (6:5; 4:1). Seeking personal gain – financial and recognition from others (6:5).
‘Wholesome’ [Greek: hugiaino] Translated as “wholesome” (6:3); “whole” (Luke 5:31; 7:10); “sound” (1:10; 2Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13; 2:1-2); and “health” (3Jn. 1:2). Here it means doctrines of healing and health, not only for the soul, but for the body, as in the passages above. These words of health are listed along with the doctrines of godliness, proving they refer primarily to physical healing. The doctrines of godliness refer primarily to the soul.
‘From such withdraw thyself.’ Christians must turn away from: False teachers – anyone that has their own opinions contrary to what God’s Word teaches (6:3-5). Disorderly brethren (2Thess. 3:6). Men who have forms of godliness, but deny its power (2Tim. 3:5).
‘Withdraw’ [Greek: aphistemi] Don’t stay with men who are false to convert them but get away from them and associate with those of true faith.