𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗠 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛

THE PROBLEM OF THE MONEY CHURCH

When the Gospel Is Used for Gain
Key Pauline Text: 1 Timothy 6:5 (KJV)
Right Division Anchor: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest corruptions in modern Christianity is the commercialization of the gospel. Paul warned of men who would suppose that gain is godliness, turning the ministry into a business and the flock into customers.

In the Dispensation of Grace, the Church is not called to enrich leaders but to edify saints. When money replaces ministry, truth is traded for profit, and the sheep suffer.

Today we will expose NINE PROBLEMS of the Money Church, using Pauline doctrine to restore biblical clarity.

PROFIT — Ministry Turned Merchandise
1 Timothy 6:5

A. Gospel for Sale – Truth exchanged for money
B. Ministry as Market – Souls treated as income
C. Motive Exposed – Gain replaces godliness
Insight:
Paul preached freely, refusing to merchandise grace.

PREACHER — Shepherd Becomes Salesman
2 Corinthians 2:17

A. Corrupting the Word – Mixing truth for appeal
B. Polished Performance – Style over substance
C. Sincere Ministry – Speaking as of God
Pauline Truth:
God’s Word is not to be handled deceitfully.

PROSPERITY — Fleshly Promise Replaces Faith
2 Timothy 4:3–4

A. Itching Ears – Desire for comfort
B. Feel-Good Messages – No rebuke, no doctrine
C. Fables Preferred – Truth rejected
Dispensational Clarity:
Prosperity preaching appeals to the flesh, not the spirit.

POSITION — Pride Elevated, Poor Ignored
James 2:1–6

A. Respect of Persons – Favoring the rich
B. Titles and Thrones – Clergy exalted
C. Neglected Needy – Saints overlooked
Pauline Reality:
Grace removes class distinction in the Body of Christ.

POSSESSION — Luxury Replaces Lowliness
Revelation 3:17

A. Increased with Goods – Self-sufficient mindset
B. Blind to Need – Spiritual poverty unseen
C. False Security – Wealth mistaken for blessing
Warning:
Material abundance is not proof of spiritual approval.

PEOPLE — Flock Exploited, Not Edified
Romans 16:18

A. Smooth Speech – Manipulative words
B. Simple Hearts – Easily deceived saints
C. Self-Serving Leaders – Belly before truth
Pauline Doctrine:
True servants serve Christ, not crowds.

POVERTY — Needs Ignored While Leaders Thrive
James 2:15–16

A. Empty Blessings – Words without works
B. Neglected Brethren – No practical care
C. Hypocritical Faith – Love without action
Right Division:
Grace teaching produces genuine care, not greed.

PERCEPTION — Honor Given to Men, Not Christ
Galatians 1:10

A. Man-Pleasing Ministry – Popularity driven
B. Celebrity Pastors – Christ displaced
C. Servant Calling – Seeking God’s approval
Pauline Focus:
A servant of Christ cannot be a servant of applause.

PUNISHMENT — Judgment Awaits False Ministers
1 Corinthians 3:13

A. Work Tested – Fire reveals motive
B. Loss of Reward – Empty ministry exposed
C. Eternal Accountability – God judges faithfully
Conclusion:
God will judge how and why ministry was done.

CONCLUSION

The Money Church is rich in cash—but poor in truth.
The true Church may be poor in this world—but rich in Christ.
“For the love of money is the root of all evil.”
— 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

CALL TO ACTION

Reject prosperity lies
Test every teaching by Scripture
Support faithful, sound doctrine
Care for the saints, not stages
Proclaim grace freely, without price

FINAL THOUGHTS

The gospel is not for sale
Ministers are servants, not celebrities
Prosperity preaching deceives
God hates partiality
Luxury is not godliness
The flock must be protected
Grace produces compassion
Christ deserves the glory
God will judge false gain

THE GOSPEL WAS GIVEN FREELY —
IT MUST BE PREACHED FREELY.