Finding True Wealth in Contentment and Faith
Summary
Today, I began by welcoming everyone to Impact Church, expressing gratitude for another beautiful Sunday, and acknowledging our online family from around the country and the world. I highlighted upcoming events, including a midweek service with Pastor David John and our marriage conference, emphasizing the importance of community and spiritual nourishment.
I continued by discussing the essence of contentment as described in 1 Timothy 6. I emphasized that true godliness combined with contentment is itself great wealth. This theme of contentment resonated throughout the sermon, as I urged the congregation to appreciate what they have rather than longing for more. I pointed out that our culture often pushes us towards dissatisfaction, making us crave more possessions, status, or wealth, which can lead to spiritual and relational bankruptcy.
I addressed the dangers of loving money, referencing the rich young ruler from Mark 10, who was unable to part with his wealth to follow Jesus. This story illustrated the peril of placing money and possessions above our relationship with God. I stressed that money itself isn't evil, but the love of it can lead us away from faith and into harmful desires and traps.
The sermon also touched on the concept of misplaced love in the last days, as described in 2 Timothy 3. I explained that people would become lovers of themselves and money, leading to a society marked by arrogance, ungratefulness, and a lack of affection. This cultural shift towards self-centeredness and materialism starkly contrasts with the Christian call to love God and neighbor.
I concluded with a powerful call to personal revival. I invited those present and online to recommit their lives to Christ, emphasizing that this decision doesn't require perfection but a heartfelt surrender to Jesus's lordship. This moment of recommitment was designed to reignite our passion for God and realign our priorities with His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Contentment as Spiritual Wealth: True wealth isn't measured by our possessions but by our contentment and godliness. This perspective frees us from the endless pursuit of material gain and aligns us with God's values, leading to a richer, more fulfilling life. [54:11]
2. Dangers of the Love of Money: The love of money can ensnare us, leading to compromised relationships and spiritual decay. By understanding that everything belongs to God, we can manage resources wisely without becoming attached or allowing them to define our identity. [01:01:04]
3. Misplaced Love in the Last Days: In these times, many will prioritize personal pleasure and wealth over God. This shift is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a call for Christians to live counterculturally, focusing on heavenly rather than earthly treasures. [49:06]
4. The Call to Personal Revival: Rekindling our passion for God is essential. This involves more than routine church attendance; it requires a heartfelt pursuit of God's presence and a commitment to living out His commandments daily. [01:23:54]
5. Salvation through Surrender: Salvation is a gift, not earned by deeds but received through faith in Jesus Christ. This fundamental truth should be the cornerstone of our faith and the message we share with the world. [01:31:21]
Chapters:
0:00 - Welcome
37:29 - Announcements and Upcoming Events
42:10 - Introduction to Sermon Series
44:23 - The Reality of Heaven and Earth
46:51 - The Impact of Sin and Redemption
49:06 - Characteristics of the Last Days
52:41 - The True Wealth of Contentment
54:11 - Contentment in Simplicity
56:42 - Practical Examples of Contentment
58:00 - Personal Testimonies of Growth
01:01:04 - The Trap of Wealth
01:07:50 - The Neutral Nature of Money
01:10:55 - The Challenge of Detachment
01:13:01 - Passionless Christianity Critiqued
01:16:51 - The Laodicean Church as a Modern Parallel
01:23:54 - A Call to Revival and Passion
01:31:21 - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NIV)
> "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
2. Mark 10:17-22 (NIV)
> "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: "You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother."' 'Teacher,' he declared, 'all these I have kept since I was a boy.' Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth."
3. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV)
> "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Timothy 6:6-10 say about the relationship between godliness and contentment?
2. In Mark 10:17-22, what was the rich young ruler's reaction to Jesus' instruction to sell his possessions and give to the poor? [01:10:55]
3. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some characteristics of people in the last days?
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural shift towards self-centeredness and materialism in the last days? [49:06]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul in 1 Timothy 6:6-10 emphasize that contentment with godliness is great gain? How does this perspective challenge modern views on wealth and success?
2. What does the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22 teach us about the dangers of loving money more than God? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about the love of money leading to spiritual decay? [01:01:04]
3. How does 2 Timothy 3:1-5's description of the last days reflect current societal trends? What does this imply about the Christian call to live counterculturally? [49:06]
4. The sermon mentions a call to personal revival and recommitment to Christ. How does this align with the warnings and instructions given in the Bible passages? [01:23:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle with contentment? How can you cultivate a heart of contentment and godliness in your daily life? [54:11]
2. Have you ever found yourself prioritizing money or possessions over your relationship with God? What steps can you take to ensure that your love for God remains paramount? [01:01:04]
3. In what ways do you see the characteristics of the last days (as described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5) manifesting in your community or personal life? How can you live counterculturally in response to these trends? [49:06]
4. The sermon calls for a personal revival and a recommitment to Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to rekindle your passion for God and realign your priorities with His kingdom? [01:23:54]
5. Think about a time when you felt spiritually dry or passionless in your faith. What contributed to that feeling, and how did you overcome it? How can you help others who might be experiencing the same thing? [01:13:01]
6. How can you practice generosity in a way that reflects your trust in God rather than in material wealth? Identify one specific act of generosity you can perform this week. [01:09:14]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community and spiritual nourishment. How can you actively participate in and contribute to your church community to foster mutual growth and encouragement? [37:29]
Devotional
Day 1: Contentment Redefines True Wealth
True wealth is not accumulated in bank accounts or material possessions but found in a heart full of contentment and godliness. This perspective shifts focus from the relentless pursuit of more to appreciating and valuing what one already possesses. It challenges the cultural narrative that equates success with accumulation, urging a return to spiritual values where godliness with contentment is seen as great gain. This approach not only liberates individuals from the endless cycle of desire but also aligns them more closely with divine priorities, fostering a life of genuine fulfillment and peace. [54:11]
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." - 1 Timothy 6:6-7 ESV
Reflection: How does your current lifestyle promote or hinder a spirit of contentment in your life?
Day 2: The Perils of Money Love
The love of money is a dangerous path that can lead to compromised relationships and spiritual decay. It's crucial to recognize that while money itself is neutral, an excessive attachment to it can ensnare and lead to destructive behaviors and attitudes. This understanding helps in managing resources wisely, ensuring that they are used for God's glory and not as tools for self-aggrandizement or identity formation. By viewing everything as God's provision, one can hold possessions loosely and prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. [01:01:04]
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." - 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to ensure that your use of money aligns with God's purposes?
Day 3: Recognizing Misplaced Love in Modern Times
In these latter days, the prophecy of people becoming lovers of themselves and money has manifested vividly. This cultural shift towards self-centeredness and materialism starkly contrasts with the Christian call to love God and neighbor. Recognizing this trend is crucial for Christians to live counterculturally, focusing on heavenly rather than earthly treasures. This awareness prompts a reevaluation of one's values and behaviors, encouraging a lifestyle that reflects divine priorities and eternal perspectives. [49:06]
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy..." - 2 Timothy 3:1-2 ESV
Reflection: How can you actively combat the cultural trend of self-centeredness in your own life today?
Day 4: The Urgency of Personal Revival
Rekindling a passion for God is essential in a world where spiritual fervor often wanes. This revival involves more than routine church attendance; it requires a heartfelt pursuit of God's presence and a commitment to living out His commandments daily. Such a revival reorients one's life around God's kingdom and His righteousness, igniting a renewed zeal for the things of the Spirit and a deeper love for others. This transformative experience is vital for sustaining faith in an increasingly secular world. [01:23:54]
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2 ESV
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can foster a deeper daily commitment to God?
Day 5: Embracing Salvation through Surrender
Salvation is a divine gift, freely offered and received through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not earned by deeds but embraced through a heartfelt surrender to Jesus's lordship. This fundamental truth should anchor the believer's faith and shape their interactions with the world. Emphasizing this truth in daily life encourages a posture of humility and gratitude, recognizing Christ's sacrifice and the transformative power of His grace in every aspect of life. [01:31:21]
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and demonstrate the gift of salvation in your daily interactions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Well, how you doing, Impact Church? Come on, has God been good to anybody in this place today? Anybody grateful to see another beautiful Sunday? God really has been good, and we're so glad to see you today." [37:29]
2. "If you look at commercials now, man, commercials paint a picture. If you don't watch it, you can start feeling bad about your own circumstance and start feeling like you haven't arrived yet. And start feeling like you're way behind because commercials and music videos, they paint a picture of what lifestyles of the rich and famous looks like." [51:19]
3. "I can look at that old brown couch I have at the house, and that's not the one I want to have forever, but I can thank God for what I have right now. It's not my desire to be single for the rest of my days, but I can thank God that as a single person, I got joy in my heart." [59:26]
4. "I don't want to pastor a church that has no passion. I just don't. And I'm not saying that's our church because we do have passion. I'm saying examine your heart. I don't want to lead a staff that has no passion." [01:23:04]
5. "It doesn't say that you've got to commit all the things you'll stop doing or promise that you'll be better. It says just surrender to him, believe in your heart God has raised him from the dead, and you will be saved." [01:31:21]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Godliness, watch this, with some contentment. The Bible says that's great wealth. That's great wealth. Watch this, some of us are wealthier than we realize. Can I just stir you up and remind you something this morning?" [55:35]
2. "And the implication here is like a bear or bird trap that grabs you suddenly. Which means if all day long I'm trying to think of how I can get more money, how I can get ahead, how I can get out of this situation I'm in right now. I need to get more money." [01:01:04]
3. "Your net worth does not define your identity in Christ. Your net worth does not define you when your identity is in Christ. How many know that a lot of our parents and grandparents did a whole lot more with a whole lot less and they were happier than a lot of folks are today?" [01:07:50]
4. "We're living in a generation where there is no distinction between the holy and the profane. Most of what you see on Christian's timeline, if you closed your eyes and just looked at what's presented, it'd be hard to tell if that's a believer or not a believer." [01:13:49]
5. "But can I tell you, we get stuck on that one part, but there was more to the sin of Sodom. Ezekiel 16.49 says this, Behold, this was the iniquity or the sin of your sister Sodom. It was pride, and it was an overabundance of food." [01:18:59]
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