Scripture

If anyone . . . does not consent to . . . doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments . . . from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
(1 Timothy 6:3-5)

Devotional

Godliness will always attempt to speak the truth in love. The unrighteous, on the other hand, never understands that there is always at least one thing of which they are ignorant. The godly seek the truth; the unrighteous are obsessed with disputes because they are void of the whole truth. They are men of corrupt minds who make the truth destitute by wrapping it around a lie. They attempt to build themselves up by tearing others down. Godliness moves on, while the unrighteous cannot let go of their pride. Godliness takes the high road, while the antagonists wrangle in potholes. The godly, “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things;”(1) while the unrighteous are obsessed with nothing but disputing over foolish suspicions. The righteous prosper to give, while the unrighteous only give to prosper - if they give at all. Therefore, know from which to withdraw yourself.

(1) 1 Corinthians 13:7

Thought For The Night

“Sometimes we excuse relatively minor flaws in people, especially if they have done something extraordinary for God. But God doesn’t just want extraordinary good works from us, but obedience in small things as well. Agatho, a desert monk of fourth-century Egypt put it this way: ‘If an angry man raises the dead, God is still displeased with his anger.’” Sayings of the Desert Fathers, translated by Owen Chadwick, in “Western Asceticism” (Westminster, 1983

Evening Text

1 Timothy 6:3-5: If anyone… does not consent to… doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments… from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Looking for Answers

Does God withdraw Himself from His people? Consider Hebrews 13:5.
Are we to, at times, withdraw ourselves from others? Consider 2 Timothy 3:5.
From whom should you withdraw yourself

Evening Study Guide

Defining: “Withdraw”: Having no fellowship with unrighteousness. Love them, but mark them. Win them, but do not partner with them.

Referencing: “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus,” 1 Corinthians 5:5.

Applying: Withdraw yourself as the scriptures instruct, never with haughtiness or arrogance, but in humility and love.