THIS WEEK: GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT LEADS TO WEALTH/GAIN.

• Because of what God has done for us, revealed to us, and how we respond.

1 Timothy 6:2b–10 (NIV) These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. ⁶But godliness with contentment is great gain (wealth). ⁷For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹Those 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. ¹⁰For 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.

• Notice how scripture defines wealth (gain): Godliness with Contentment o     Compare that to the world’s version. (See 1 John 2:16)
  • This isn’t a means to great wealth but is great wealth.
  • David’s love of God’s Word: it is wealth, and it is freedom.
  • Paul’s desire to know Jesus better illustrates this, too.

GODLINESS IS VALUABLE.

• Defined and valued as great wealth (See Psalm 119:72). How?
  • Godliness must be chosen. (See John 1:10-14)
  • You cannot be truly godly unless you understand who God is. (See Philippians 3:7-8)
  • Who God is is revealed in the story of God through the Bible and Jesus, God in the flesh.
  • With devotion/obedience to the faith, the person the faith is directed around is God. This reveals God’s perspective and imparts His characteristics.

DEFINING CONTENTMENT: WHAT IS CONTENTMENT?

• A self/inner sufficiency. “I have what I need in Christ. He is enough,” and, “I have confidence that I will have enough.”
• Contentment is a choice we have to make because we have a sinful nature. (See Colossians 3:1–4)

THE INNER BATTLE FOR ACTUAL, PRACTICAL CONTENTMENT (See Galatians 5:16–17)

• The world/sinful nature/enemy says: “You need more, then you can be content. You need more to be content.”
  • But contentment says: “I accept that God knows what I can handle, and He will give me enough to make it and serve Him with it.” (See Ecclesiastes 5:10)
• The world/sinful nature/enemy says: “But that person over there has more.” The trap of comparison.
  • But contentment says: “What I have, I don’t deserve. I am thankful. I compare what I have to my need rather than what another person has.” (See 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
• The world/sinful nature/enemy says: “I don’t trust God to determine what I have or don’t have; I only trust myself.”
  • But contentment says: “I know God loves me. He knows my future and what He has in store for me. He knows what I can handle based on what’s eternally valuable and how He made me.” (See Proverbs 30:7–9)
• The world/sinful nature/ enemy says: “You don’t have enough for the future.” It’s not about more, it’s about enough.
  • But contentment says: “I will have God with me. He’s enough, and He will supply.” (See Philippians 4:10–13)
• In every case, the world system—designed by our sinful nature and the enemy—leads us to forfeit God’s presence for something we think will be better. (See Psalm 127:1-2)

AS A DISCIPLE, I CHALLENGE YOU TO:

• Work hard.Remember the world sphere in the journey series.Consider supply and mission space. Godliness and contentment are not apathy nor laziness.
• Tithe to the storehouse. Give your first fruits to the Lord.

• It’s an act of worship, surrender, and thankfulness. Obedience is better than sacrifice (than just a ceremony).
• It’s an antidote to greed which is idolatry (See Colossians 3:5)

• Praise God for what you have. Your needs are supplied—don’t take them for granted. Make a thankfulness list.
• Live within your means. Budget. Don’t be apathetic or lazy. Practice contentment when you make your decisions. Budget personal generosity.
• Invest in what really matters. I keep the idea of opportunity cost in mind. “f I do that, it means I am pursuing the expense of relationship with God, His blessing, and relationships with others.”