A Study About Elders - Not Greedy Of Filthy Lucre | Words Of Truth
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A Study About Elders
Not Greedy Of Filthy Lucre


I. Introduction:

A. As saints, we should realize that all the gains in the world are not worth the losing of one’s soul for (Matthew 16:24-27).

  1. What do material gains mean for us (Proverbs 13:7)?
  2. Are you willing to surrender materialism (Hebrews 11:24-26) or do you love the worldly things too much to remain faithful (II Timothy 4:10)?
B. All whom have been properly converted to Christ have committed to a mindset of forsaking all to follower Christ (Luke 14:25-33).

  1. One CANNOT serve God and material wealth (Luke 16:13).
  2. Not only can one not be an elder if they love things of the world, you cannot even be a Christian in that state (I John 2:15-17).

II. Body: Not Greedy Of / Not Given To Filthy Lucre (I Timothy 3:3 and Titus 1:7).

A. This means: “sordid: — given to (greedy of) filthy lucre. Eager for base gain, greedy for money” (Strong’s # 146).

  1. Used in the two passages we are discussing, and then one other time in the New Testament (I Timothy 3:8).
  2. A principle that drives false teachers (Jeremiah 6:13, II Peter 2:1-3, II Peter 2:14-15, and Jude 1:3-16).
B. Being greedy of filthy lucre influences people who have authority (I Samuel 8:1-5).

  1. Causes judgment to be twisted (Deuteronomy 16:18-19 and Isaiah 1:21-23).
  2. They focus on their carnal prosperity and people blindly follow them (Jeremiah 5:26-31).
  3. For gain, they strengthen the hands of evil doers (Ezekiel 13:17-23).
  4. They do all of this, and still maintain innocence (Micah 3:9-12).
  5. Their motive in what they teach is personal gain. Thus, they have to be stopped rather than put in an office of leadership (Titus 1:10-14).
C. The love of money is the root of all evil (I Timothy 6:3-12).

  1. Covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5).
  2. Being content is the answer (Psalms 37:16, Luke 12:13-34, and Philippians 4:11-13).

III. Conclusion: I Peter 5:1-3