1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
- #1 Godliness - Begin with Godliness as the Goal
- Living in reverence and obedience to God is central to a meaningful life. This involves aligning your values and actions with His will.
- Godliness reflects your relationship with God and who you are in Him (being).
Psalm 16:11: "In Your presence, there is fullness of joy"
- Righteousness reflects how that relationship influences your actions and how you live out your faith (doing).
- Together, they form a complete picture of a life devoted to God — where your inner devotion (godliness) leads to right living (righteousness).
- True Godliness Flows from the Heart:
- Godliness is about being aligned with God's character, values, and purpose. When pursued grudgingly, it becomes legalism or ritual without relationship (Matthew 15:8: "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.")
- #2 Contentment - Stay with Contentment as the Measure or Evidence of Godliness
- Contentment is based on following Godliness values and not on any other materials comfort or luxury.
Your Godliness is reflected with your Contentment in any situation.
- be happy with what you have (the context is about seeking wealth)
- Contentment rooted in godliness transcends material comforts and luxuries because it is grounded in eternal and unchanging truths, rather than the fleeting satisfaction that worldly possessions provide.
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
- Contentment as a By-product of Trust in God
Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'"
- Contentment as Evidence of Godliness:
- Contentment demonstrates trust in God's goodness and sufficiency. It reflects that we find our greatest satisfaction in Him, not in external circumstances.
- If we begrudge godliness, it reveals that our hearts are still clinging to worldly desires, diminishing the transformative power of godliness.
- Freedom from Comparison: Godliness helps us value eternal treasures over earthly ones, freeing us from comparing our circumstances to others.
- Does not stop you from aspiring to grow and be better
- DaoDeJing 33: 知足者富, 强行者有志. Contentment is wealth. Persevere in action shows determination and aspiration.
- #3 Great Gain - A Joyful Life Now & Glory in Eternality
- spiritual fulfillment, eternal perspective, a closer relationship with God, positive influence on others, and ultimately, eternal life.
- It goes beyond material wealth or temporary success and touches on the profound rewards of living a life that is in harmony with God’s will.
- Summary
- Start with Godliness and continue with Contentment while pursuing the growth in all aspects, now & eternality, of life.
- Prayer:
- Heavenly Father,
- Thank You for teaching us the value of godliness and contentment. Help us to pursue You with joy, find peace in Your provision, and live in a way that glorifies You.
- In Jesus’ name, Amen.
