1 Timothy 6:6-10

Godliness is Paul’s term in 1 Timothy that capsulizes the essence of the Christian life.  First he said that the mystery of godliness is the life of Christ who lives in us (1 Tim. 3:16).  Then he said that godliness is the means of profit in all things, unlike a life focused merely on the physical (4:8).  Now he must tell us that the profit is not financial profit as was seen in the destructive people of 6:3-5.  What is profitable is godliness with contentment!

In the context of the New Testament world, dominated by Greek culture and Roman power, contentment was not a popular character trait (probably the same can be said about Western culture today.)  In fact, it takes the Bible, especially the teachings of the Spirit through Paul and the life of our Lord Jesus, to give us an understanding of the power that is available through this quality.  Paul teaches on this in Phil. 4:10-20 where he uses his own testimony to illustrate the truth that life is not about what you have but about the God you worship.  Paul is able to say he can do ALL things through Christ and that God will supply ALL his needs, all this because he has learned to be content, to be satisfied at all times simply because he trusts God.  Together with 1 Tim. 6:6-8 we see the essence of contentment: it is that God will supply our basic needs.  

Jesus taught contentment in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:19-34). although it appears throughout His life and teaching.  It is a life principle that disarms the people of this world, including those who profess Christ as Lord but hold that godliness will make you rich.  Paul is clear: having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.  As Jesus taught and illustrated: one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses (Luke 12:15).

To that end the rebuke of Paul in 6:9-10 is quite appropriate.  Remember: the issue is simply that our possessions, including our money, are not the means of soul-satisfaction, the satisfaction we must have if we are to live a blessed life.  So Paul does not criticize those who are rich but those who desire to be rich.  He does not blame money for our woes but the love of money.  Since it is God who meets needs, wealth can be used to serve God in meeting the needs of people around us (as will be emphasized in 6:17-19).  

But no amount of money or stash of goods can satisfy.  Instead, and we must hear this: a focus on money and possessions is a trap that leads to many harmful lusts that will drown us in misery, both now and in eternity.  And for professing believers who hold to the doctrine that tries to sanctify riches as the sure sign of God’s blessing (i.e the health and wealth doctrine), they will stray from the faith and will experience many sorrows.  

Brothers and sisters in Christ: are you listening?  Godliness with contentment is great gain.  All else is loss.  May we learn with Paul to lay up treasure in heaven, not on earth, which is the secret of contentment in all situations.