Paul identifies the root motivation of false teachers: “shameful gain.” This wasn’t just about money, though financial profit was certainly involved. It was about any kind of personal advancement: reputation, power, influence…gained through corrupting God’s truth.
This challenges us to examine our own motivations. When we share biblical truth, are we seeking to help others grow closer to God, or are we trying to appear knowledgeable? When we correct someone, are we genuinely concerned for their spiritual welfare, or are we trying to prove we’re right?
The contrast is stark: true servants of God seek the gain of others’ souls, while false teachers seek their own shameful gain.