True Gain: Godliness and Contentment in Christ
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we explored the profound truth that true gain in God's house is found in godliness with contentment. We began with a thought experiment about finding a $20,000 check under a seat, which quickly illustrated how our hearts can become attached to money. This led us to 1 Timothy 6, where Paul warns against false teachers who use godliness as a means for personal gain and emphasizes the importance of godliness with contentment.
Paul contrasts the destructive path of those who love money with the life of contentment and godliness. He warns that the love of money leads to temptation, snares, and ultimately, ruin and destruction. Instead, we are called to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. These virtues reflect a life that is aligned with God's character and leads to true contentment.
We also discussed the importance of recognizing true doctrine and being wary of false teachers who stir up controversy for personal gain. Paul encourages Timothy to focus on the ultimate goal of eternal life and to remain steadfast in his faith, even in the face of trials. This focus shapes our lives, much like an athlete preparing for the Olympics or a soldier readying for battle.
Paul's practical advice to the rich is to not be arrogant or set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God, who provides everything for our enjoyment. He urges them to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up treasure in heaven. For those who may not have much, Paul calls for humility and trust in God, serving as a witness to His goodness.
In conclusion, true gain is available to everyone in God's house, regardless of their earthly possessions. It comes through a life of godliness and contentment, rooted in trust and hope in God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Loving Money: The love of money leads to temptation, snares, and ultimately, ruin and destruction. Paul uses strong language to describe the idolatry of false teachers who crave wealth. This craving can cause people to wander away from the faith and pierce themselves with many pangs. True contentment comes from godliness, not from accumulating wealth. [05:37]
2. Recognizing False Teachers: It is crucial to discern true doctrine from false teaching. False teachers often stir up controversy and dissension for personal gain. Paul warns that it matters who we listen to, as false teachings can lead us astray. We must look at the fruit of a teacher's life to determine their authenticity. [10:54]
3. Pursuing Godly Virtues: Paul encourages Timothy to flee from the love of money and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. These virtues reflect a life aligned with God's character and lead to true contentment. This pursuit requires a focus on the ultimate goal of eternal life. [24:49]
4. The Role of Wealth: Paul advises the rich not to be arrogant or set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God, who provides everything for our enjoyment. He urges them to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. This perspective shift helps guard against the love of money and stores up lasting treasure in heaven. [35:48]
5. Contentment in All Circumstances: True gain is available to everyone in God's house, whether they have much or little. It comes through a life of godliness and contentment, rooted in trust and hope in God. Paul emphasizes that godliness with contentment is great gain, as it leads to a life of peace and satisfaction in Christ. [39:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Attachment to Money
[02:00] - Prayer and Introduction
[03:24] - Blueprint for God's House
[04:28] - Warning Against False Teachers
[05:37] - The Love of Money
[10:54] - Recognizing False Teachers
[16:00] - Hope in God, Not Money
[17:57] - True Gain: Godliness with Contentment
[24:49] - Pursuing Godly Virtues
[30:00] - The Ultimate Goal: Eternal Life
[35:48] - Practical Advice for the Rich
[39:23] - Contentment in All Circumstances
[40:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 6:3-16
2. Philippians 4:11-13
3. Psalm 146:5-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul say about the love of money in 1 Timothy 6:10? How does he describe its consequences? [05:37]
2. According to 1 Timothy 6:6-8, what should we be content with, and why? [04:28]
3. In Philippians 4:11-13, what does Paul reveal as the secret to being content in any situation?
4. How does Psalm 146:5-9 describe the character and actions of God? How does this passage encourage trust in God over material wealth?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize godliness with contentment as "great gain" in 1 Timothy 6:6? How does this contrast with the pursuit of wealth? [04:28]
2. How can recognizing false teachers and their motives help us stay true to sound doctrine? What are some modern examples of false teachings that stir up controversy for personal gain? [10:54]
3. In what ways do the virtues listed in 1 Timothy 6:11 (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness) reflect a life aligned with God's character? How can these virtues lead to true contentment? [24:49]
4. How does Paul's advice to the rich in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 challenge our cultural views on wealth and success? What practical steps can we take to be "rich in good works" and "generous"? [35:48]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own relationship with money. Have you ever found yourself loving money or material possessions more than you should? How can you shift your focus to godliness with contentment? [05:37]
2. Think about the sources of teaching and information you consume. How can you discern true doctrine from false teachings? What steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray by sensationalism or controversy? [10:54]
3. Identify one of the godly virtues listed in 1 Timothy 6:11 that you want to cultivate more in your life. What specific actions can you take this week to pursue this virtue? [24:49]
4. How can you apply Paul's advice to the rich in your own life, regardless of your financial status? What are some practical ways you can be generous and ready to share with others? [35:48]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt truly content. What contributed to that feeling? How can you cultivate a similar sense of contentment in your daily life, rooted in trust and hope in God? [39:23]
6. How can you use your current resources, whether abundant or limited, to serve as a witness to God's goodness? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate humility and trust in God? [39:23]
7. Consider the ultimate goal of eternal life that Paul encourages Timothy to focus on. How does this perspective shape your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to align more closely with this goal? [24:04]
Devotional
### Day 1: The Perils of Loving Money
The love of money can lead to spiritual ruin and destruction. Paul warns that those who crave wealth may wander away from the faith and pierce themselves with many pangs. True contentment is found in godliness, not in accumulating wealth. This is a powerful reminder that our hearts can easily become attached to material possessions, leading us away from our true purpose and joy in Christ. The love of money is described as a root of all kinds of evil, causing people to fall into temptation and harmful desires. Instead, we are called to find our satisfaction in God, who provides for all our needs.
Paul's message is clear: the pursuit of wealth for its own sake is a dangerous path. It can lead to a life filled with anxiety, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, spiritual destruction. By focusing on godliness and contentment, we align ourselves with God's will and experience true peace and fulfillment. This requires a shift in perspective, recognizing that our true treasure is found in our relationship with God, not in the accumulation of earthly riches. [05:37]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 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."
Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself prioritizing money or material possessions over your relationship with God? How can you begin to shift your focus towards godliness and contentment today?
### Day 2: Discernment of False Teachers
Recognizing true doctrine and being wary of false teachers is crucial for spiritual growth. False teachers often stir up controversy and dissension for personal gain, leading people astray. Paul emphasizes the importance of discerning who we listen to, as false teachings can have a detrimental impact on our faith. We must examine the fruit of a teacher's life to determine their authenticity and ensure that their teachings align with the truth of God's Word.
False teachers can be persuasive and charismatic, making it easy to be deceived. However, by grounding ourselves in Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can develop the discernment needed to recognize false teachings. This involves being vigilant and testing everything against the truth of God's Word. By doing so, we protect ourselves from being led astray and ensure that our faith remains strong and rooted in the truth. [10:54]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: How can you develop greater discernment in recognizing false teachings? What steps can you take to ensure that you are grounded in the truth of God's Word?
### Day 3: Pursuing Godly Virtues
Paul encourages believers to flee from the love of money and pursue godly virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. These virtues reflect a life aligned with God's character and lead to true contentment. This pursuit requires a focus on the ultimate goal of eternal life, much like an athlete preparing for the Olympics or a soldier readying for battle. By cultivating these virtues, we grow in our relationship with God and experience the fullness of life that He offers.
Pursuing godly virtues involves intentional effort and dedication. It requires us to prioritize our spiritual growth and seek to embody the character of Christ in our daily lives. This means making choices that reflect our commitment to righteousness, faith, and love, even in the face of challenges and temptations. As we pursue these virtues, we become more like Christ and experience the true contentment that comes from living a life that honors God. [24:49]
2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV): "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."
Reflection: Which godly virtues do you feel you need to cultivate more in your life? How can you take practical steps to pursue these virtues and grow in your relationship with God?
### Day 4: The Role of Wealth
Paul advises the rich not to be arrogant or set their hopes on uncertain riches but on God, who provides everything for our enjoyment. He urges them to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share. This perspective shift helps guard against the love of money and stores up lasting treasure in heaven. By focusing on generosity and good works, we align our hearts with God's purposes and experience the joy of giving and serving others.
Wealth can easily become a source of pride and false security. However, Paul reminds us that true security and fulfillment come from trusting in God, not in our material possessions. By being generous and ready to share, we reflect God's character and demonstrate our trust in His provision. This not only blesses others but also enriches our own lives, as we experience the joy and satisfaction that come from living a life of generosity and service. [35:48]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective on wealth and material possessions to align more closely with God's purposes? In what ways can you practice generosity and good works in your daily life?
### Day 5: Contentment in All Circumstances
True gain is available to everyone in God's house, regardless of their earthly possessions. It comes through a life of godliness and contentment, rooted in trust and hope in God. Paul emphasizes that godliness with contentment is great gain, as it leads to a life of peace and satisfaction in Christ. This contentment is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God, who provides for all our needs.
Contentment is a state of heart and mind that comes from trusting in God's provision and goodness. It involves recognizing that our true worth and fulfillment are found in our relationship with Him, not in our material possessions or external circumstances. By cultivating a heart of contentment, we experience the peace and joy that come from knowing that God is in control and that He will provide for all our needs. This allows us to live with gratitude and trust, regardless of our circumstances. [39:23]
Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV): "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with contentment? How can you cultivate a heart of contentment and trust in God's provision, regardless of your circumstances?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What we're going to see this morning is that the key to true gain in God's house is godliness with contentment. If you join me in 1 Timothy 6, you know the pastoral epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, they are letters to the leadership of different churches regarding how to lead and organize and how to promote health in the church." [02:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we follow after something that becomes greater than God in our hearts, that it is an idol. And we know that in the Psalms it says over and over that those who make idols and worship idols, those who make them become like them. So you see, idolatry is when we take a good thing and it becomes an ultimate thing." [08:05] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we have our hope set on God, a God who created the heavens, who made the heavens and the earth. When we have our hope in a God. Who lifts up those who are bowed down. Who watches over the sojourners. Who upholds the widows and the fatherless. When we have our hope in a God who brings the way of the wicked to ruin. hearts can be at rest. Our hearts can be at peace. Our hearts can be content." [16:52] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Godliness is having character like God. Being content. Being godly. Living a life of humble obedience to Christ. Godliness is seeking to follow after Christ. Seeking to be a person of love. Seeking to be a person who upholds the truth. Seeking to be a person who lives out this self-sacrificial servant obedience toward others." [17:57] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "In Christ, we can do all things. So we've contrasted, we've introduced and talked about the false teachers and how they were seeking a gain that benefited themselves, how they were unconcerned with protecting the true and good teaching of Jesus Christ. They were looking at godliness as a way of self-promotion, which isn't a true form of godliness." [21:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Paul contrasts two ways that the teachers in this passage pursue gain. One is the degree of the false teachers we see. And we read earlier, and I kind of had to stop to make note that these false teachers were focused on using their godliness as a means for gain. And we'll get into that a little bit. But then we also see that there is, that Paul is stirring up in Timothy this idea of contentment. That there is a contentment to the faithful teachers." [07:09] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul uses words like desire. those who desire to be rich fall into temptation. He uses words like love of money. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. He uses a word like craving. That through this craving some have wandered away from the faith. Each one of these words hints at a posture of the heart. Often times we are driven by our desires." [09:57] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Paul tells Timothy, make the good confession. There are moments in our lives where we might be tempted to shy away from the good confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. There may be times, and I appreciate even as the testimonies are being shared of, hey, I want boldness in preaching the gospel. I want boldness in being able to share about the good news of Jesus Christ, that this world is broken, because of sin and death, and that the only hope that we have is in Jesus Christ our Lord." [32:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Paul says to Timothy, run as fast as you can away from those things. Flee those things. And pursue, another great action word, righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, endurance, and gentleness. Those words, righteousness. Righteousness is the quality of living in right relationships with others and with God. And our lifestyle is we are doing right by others. We are doing right in our relationship with God." [24:49] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So Paul moves into a very practical teaching. He says, for the rich, hope in God, not money. So like I said earlier, this is not a warning against having money. It's a warning against loving money. And those who have, there is a temptation, a temptation to want to love. But I also will say this, that there is a belief in our culture that says if you have money, then you are successful. If you have money, then you have power." [35:48] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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