1 Timothy 6:6-8: Godliness and Contentment
2021-11-20
1 Timothy 6:6-8
Contrary to what many false teachers teach, we are content with what God has given us. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). If you have what God has given you, all the Spiritual riches and the hope of heaven, then you should be content. Philippians 4:11-13 describes Paul’s contentment regardless of his circumstances. Sometimes, he had a little more substance than other times. Through both being abased and abounding, he learned contentment. The circumstances change, but God is the same. In all things, Christ gives strength. Our gain is the Spiritual growth we need.
Our “stuff” in this world is something we must consider transient: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out” (1 Timothy 6:7) Job recognized this at least temporarily when he said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).
These things are all going to pass away: “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (2 Peter 3:7).
So, what can we be content with in this world? “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Timothy 6:8). The Lord Jesus Himself only guarantees these (Matthew 6:31-32). There is no guarantee of luxury. Even shelter does not seem to be a guarantee. We should seek for these basics. Beyond that should not be an expectation.