1 Timothy 6:6-12
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.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Devotion
As Paul wraps up this personal letter, he warns Timothy about prideful people serving in ministry. These people pursue a form of godliness as a means of financial gain. Pride will always cause trouble. Pride is the summit of all sins. Pride is a constant danger. Paul reminds Timothy that as a child of God it is important that he find contentment in his position in Christ. The kind of contentment that comes from real godliness is priceless.
Paul then addresses an issue that has plagued mankind for millenniums. Greed or the love of money has been a trap that has ensnared many since the beginning of time. When we try and find contentment in riches, we will end up disillusioned and disappointed with life. Riches will not bring satisfaction. So often we hear about wealthy people that died only to discover that despite their wealth they were miserable. Howard Hughes is a perfect example of what Paul is writing about here.
Money is not evil in itself—it is amoral. Notice that Paul states it is the love of money that is evil. It is the love of money that causes one to act in ungodly ways. It is the love of money that causes us to lose an eternal perspective on life. Paul warns in verse seventeen, “Do not be arrogant or set your hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.” Considering all this wisdom, Paul encourages Timothy to “flee from all this, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” In other words, run away from sin and run toward God.
Finally, Paul instructs Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” Timothy is to carry on a struggle that has already begun. Like Timothy, we are called to live for Christ. On this spiritual journey there are many traps (sin) waiting to ensnare us. We must keep our eyes on the author and perfecter of our faith; Jesus! I will close out today with a quote that I heard from Pastor Bob. “Sin will always take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more that you want to pay.” On this spiritual journey, it is always better to venture on “the narrow road that leads to life.”
Questions to Ponder
How does the love of money negatively affect church leadership? How do you know when enough is enough? What does Paul mean by “godliness with contentment”? Why are Paul’s warnings about the love of money particularly significant to the American church? How is the love of money the “root” of evil? (See Matthew 19:16-30) How can you pursue godliness? Contentment?
Prayer Points
- Confess any pride, arrogance or greed. Forgive us when we set our hope on wealth and worldly comfort.
- Ask Abba to grant you contentment in Him alone. He richly provides us with all things to enjoy.
- Pray for yourself and our church family to find contentment in our position in Christ. The amazing reality that we are His son or daughter, deeply loved by the King of the Universe, saved by grace and sealed by His Spirit.
- Thank Him for such a rich and glorious inheritance, Him!
Suggested Prayer
God, I praise You for Your unlimited patience and for always revealing Yourself to us. You are so good Lord. By Your Holy Spirit I establish myself in Your heart, in the secret place when no one else is around. Even now, I hear Your voice, see Your face and feel Your nearness, which causes my heart to tremble in fear and exceedingly great joy. I feel my heart beating with great humility and thankfulness for You.
I lift up myself and Oak Pointe Church. I ask that You God help us to flee from the sin that so easily entangles us. Help us to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. When we fall short remind us to come right to You, just like King David did. Help us to be men and women after Your heart. Thank You Papa that Your arms are always wide open to me and Your children. I bless Your Name Yahweh! In the Name of Jesus Christ I ask, amen.