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Godliness with Contentment

Text: 1 Timothy 6
5 November 2006

(I) THE WORLDLY APPROACH TOWARDS WEALTH

1. Wealth is to be pursued at all cost

2. Nothing is more important than wealth

3. Sacrifices must be made to obtain wealth

(II) DANGER OF THIS APPROACH AFFECTING BELIEVERS

1. This danger existed

2. The danger was addressed and dealt with forthrightly

a) Dangers along the path of the pursuit of wealth

“There are those who desire to be rich” 1 Timothy 6:9

i) They may fall into temptations 1 Timothy 6:9a

ii) They may be ensnared 1 Timothy 6:9b

iii) They may fall into many foolish and harmful lusts 1 Timothy 6:9c

iv) They may be destroyed along the way 1 Timothy 6:9d

b) Deadly love of money

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” 1 Timothy 6:10

i) Danger of this love becoming greediness

“Some have strayed from their faith in greediness” 1 Timothy 6:10a

ii) Danger of being injured along the way

“Pierced themselves through with many sorrows” 1 Timothy 6:10b

(III) THE CHRISTIAN ALTERNATIVE

“Godliness with contentment is great gain” 1 Timothy 6:6

1. The Biblical Rationale towards Wealth

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” 1 Timothy 6:7-8

a) A plain statement of fact

b) Practising contentment with basic needs met

2. The use of Wealth

“Let them do good, that they may be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hpld of eternal life” 1 Timothy 6:18-19

a) Wealth was meant to be used for doing good

b) The wealthy must seek to be rich in good works

c) They must be ready to give

d) They also must be willing to share

3. The Greatest Pursuit in Life

“But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” 1 Timothy 6:11

a) Forsake the things that could cause adverse effects

b) Follow after the things that bring great potential blessings