GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

Passage: 1 Timothy 6:3-10

Key verse: 6

NIV

3 If anyone teaches otherwise(A) and does not agree to the sound instruction(B) of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited(C) and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words(D) that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth(E) and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment(F) is great gain.(G) 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.(H) 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.(I) 9 Those who want to get rich(J) fall into temptation and a trap(K) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money(L) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith(M) and pierced themselves with many griefs.(N)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

3 If anyone (A)teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with (B)the sound[a] words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching (C)that accords with godliness, 4 (D)he is puffed up with conceit and (E)understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for (F)controversy and for (G)quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people (H)who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, (I)imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But (J)godliness (K)with contentment is great gain, 7 for (L)we brought nothing into the world, and[b] we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But (M)if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But (N)those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, (O)into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that (P)plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of (Q)all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

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Footnotes
  1. 1 Timothy 6:3 Or healthy
  2. 1 Timothy 6:7 Greek for; some manuscripts insert [it is] certain [that]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

Paul tells us about the anti-Christs who have corrupt minds that counter Jesus’ teaching. They obsess over controversies and quarrels that only bring unholiness and darkness in the world. They consider godliness as a way to gain materialistic success.

However, Paul teaches us that we must be content in our striving to live a godly life. We shall not want, because the Lord God is our shepherd. We must not be greedy or materialistic, because God already provided for us and will provide us everything we need. This faith is a true gain that brings real joy and holiness, as opposed to the financial gain that leads to harmful desires. In fact, we brought nothing into the world; the Lord God created everything. Therefore, we can take nothing out of it.

We often feel insecure about our financial stability and lack of money. The world tells us to chase after money and achieve great wealth. The devil’s temptation is very powerful. But, we must remind ourselves that the love of money brings ruin and destruction. We must pray for the strength from the Holy Spirit to resist these temptations.

Prayer: Father, help me to be content in all of your blessings in my life.

One Word: Godliness with contentment is great gain