1 Timothy 6:3-10
Today's Passage: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
“But Godliness with contentment is great gain” (v6).
Paul gives us a formula for gain or prosperity in chapter 6 - godliness with contentment, but the question is what is “gain?” Is it worldly or financial? No, it is the reward of Christ himself and the eternal life He gives to us referenced in verse 12.
The world is selling us the idea that true gain is materialistic. Whatever you accumulate in this life determines your worth, value, and satisfaction. Get that next promotion, buy that newer house, get a more secure retirement, and then you’ll truly have gained all there is in this world. The problem is the end of all those things leaves you wanting more. It is vapor, Solomon says. It vanishes once you grab hold of it and you’re left empty-handed (Ecc 1:2-9). Paul writes to combat this in verses 3-5, saying that materialism leads to “constant friction among people and a depraved mind.”
How, then, do we achieve great gain? The formula Paul gives us is godliness and contentment. We set the eyes of our hearts on Christ and run while entrusting the Lord to provide the rest. We must replace the desire for wealth, status, and comfort with the desire for God. He is the one thing that will truly heal, change, and comfort our souls. When we make Him the target of our lives, then the result is godliness. We become what we behold.
What are the desires in your life that attempt to pull your gaze away from the Lord? Maybe it’s not as vain as money or status — maybe it’s something “good” like a spouse, or even piety (righteousness without faith is legalism). Make today the day you reset your focus on the author and perfecter of your faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (v12). Pursue Christ with contentment and experience great gain.
Written By: Joe Weaver
“But Godliness with contentment is great gain” (v6).
Paul gives us a formula for gain or prosperity in chapter 6 - godliness with contentment, but the question is what is “gain?” Is it worldly or financial? No, it is the reward of Christ himself and the eternal life He gives to us referenced in verse 12.
The world is selling us the idea that true gain is materialistic. Whatever you accumulate in this life determines your worth, value, and satisfaction. Get that next promotion, buy that newer house, get a more secure retirement, and then you’ll truly have gained all there is in this world. The problem is the end of all those things leaves you wanting more. It is vapor, Solomon says. It vanishes once you grab hold of it and you’re left empty-handed (Ecc 1:2-9). Paul writes to combat this in verses 3-5, saying that materialism leads to “constant friction among people and a depraved mind.”
How, then, do we achieve great gain? The formula Paul gives us is godliness and contentment. We set the eyes of our hearts on Christ and run while entrusting the Lord to provide the rest. We must replace the desire for wealth, status, and comfort with the desire for God. He is the one thing that will truly heal, change, and comfort our souls. When we make Him the target of our lives, then the result is godliness. We become what we behold.
What are the desires in your life that attempt to pull your gaze away from the Lord? Maybe it’s not as vain as money or status — maybe it’s something “good” like a spouse, or even piety (righteousness without faith is legalism). Make today the day you reset your focus on the author and perfecter of your faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (v12). Pursue Christ with contentment and experience great gain.
Written By: Joe Weaver
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