Godliness with Contentment Is Great Gain

by Mitchell Tan
March 24, 2017

WHERE DOCTRINE MUST LEAD TO GODLINESS

The true teaching of God’s word would lead us to living our life in godliness. This was something that Paul sought to establish in his first epistle to Timothy.

“Even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness”
1 Timothy 6:3

When Paul taught Timothy the truth of the word, they were words that were pure and wholesome. They were based on the words of our beloved Lord Jesus. Paul formulated doctrine not just with reference to understanding truths. They were doctrines that brought about godliness in life.

WHERE FALSE DOCTRINE DOES NOT GO WITH GODLINESS

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words … he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and argument over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
1 Timothy 6:3-5

False teachings, on the other hand, are totally in disagreement with the truth of God’s word. Such doctrines do not promote godliness in any way. The false teachers then were full of pride and haughty in spirit. They refused to listen to God’s word and were totally ignorant of what truth was. They were obsessed with disputes and arguments. Their character did not reflect any form of godliness. They thought that having godliness (which they did not have at all) was a means to having financial gains. Paul was very clear to Timothy that he was to totally cut himself off from them.

PRACTISING GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

1. HAVING A RIGHT PERSPECTIVE OF WHAT GREAT GAIN IS

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6

It was important for Timothy to see how the pursuit of godliness should go together with personal contentment. Paul had established that godliness is profitable for all things in life (1 Timothy 4:8). As we seek godliness, we should also be contented with life and be happy with what God has given. When we live in godliness and are in a state of contentment, it is considered as great gain.

2. SEEING BEYOND THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD

“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
1 Timothy 6:7

Our focus in life and ministry should not be on the things of this world. It is obvious that we did not bring anything to this world at birth and we certainly cannot bring anything out with us at death. It is not about what we own physically that matters but having the faith to focus on eternal things.

3. BEING CONTENTED WITH WHAT GOD HAS PROVIDED

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”
1 Timothy 6:8

God is the One who faithfully provides food and clothing for us. We should be thankful to Him for all His provisions in life. Let’s make sure we appreciate them so that we do not end up with a complaining spirit. Let’s learn to live our life in a godly manner and be contented with His blessings.

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