Bible Study - Simplicity (4) Godly Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19 - September 22, 2019

Bible Study – Simplicity (4) – Godly Contentment – September 22, 2019


This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Simplicity: Finding 

Contentment in a Busy Life.”


Our focus scripture is 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19.


Godliness with contentment is great gain.


This is the Apostle Paul’s first letter to his protégé and adopted son, Timothy. At this writing of Paul, Timothy was serving as the pastor of the congregation in Ephesus. Pastor Timothy had to deal with false teachers in that area. Ephesus was a melting pot of culture and a wealthy city in the Roman Empire.


There were Jewish legalists in the area trying to negatively influence the teachings of JESUS and the truth of Christian living from being revealed through an obedient lifestyle. Pastor Timothy had some wealthy Christians in his congregation and Paul admonished Pastor Timothy to develop in those with material means to be generous and to live in contentment. In other words, how much is enough for ourselves before we share with others and especially in the expansion of the Gospel. Paul knew the value of being equipped with material means when a Christian is called to go and spread the Gospel of JESUS.


In 1 Timothy, Chapter 1, Paul challenged Timothy to maintain a solid faith in the truth JESUS taught. In Chapter 2, Paul addressed prayer and relationships. In Chapter 3, Paul addressed the qualifications for leadership and in Chapter 5, he addressed support for weaker Christians.

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:3-5: (Lead-in and background)

False Doctrine and Human Greed

Teach and encourage these things. ³ If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, ⁴ he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness^[b] is a way to material gain.^[c]

^[b] 1 Timothy 6:5 Referring to religion as a means of financial gain

^[c] 1 Timothy 6:5 Other mss add From such people withdraw yourself

In general, the Jews considered fellow Jews who were wealthy were favored by GOD and were in right relationship with GOD. Christians must not equate their wealth to being in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Christianity is not a path to material gain. A Christian can be blessed by GOD with material possessions. The key is how should those with wealth obediently use it?

Paul connected building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS with contentment. Let’s explore!

Many in our world today think, “If only I could win the lottery, I would have it made and by the way LORD, I could do so much for YOU.” We as humans put the cart before the horse, so-to-speak. Do you recall Matthew 6:33 - ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God^[a] and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

[a] Other mss omit of God

Christians are to focus on building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS as they do life. What takes place when Christians focus on their relationship and seek to know JESUS and not to just know about JESUS?

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:6-8:

⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.
⁸ But if we have food and clothing,^[e]
we will be content with these.

(e) 1 Timothy 6:8 Or food and shelter

When Christians seek godliness and discover contentment that is something all the wealth in the world cannot provide. The key is to seek to be in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

Many, Christians included, think that material possession bring contentment. What is contentment? When Paul used the word “contentment,” he considered it to be calm assurance that he was in the best situation regardless of circumstances around him. Remember what Paul taught earlier, “Don’t worry” or be “anxious,” but to think on the things that are recorded in Philippians 4:8 – “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.”

Paul puts the proper perspective on people having material wealth in verse 7 – “⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.” As the saying most of us have heard, “We do not see a trailer full of things being pulled behind the hearse when those who had died are being taken to their burial site.” The key is how do we use, as Christians, what GOD has entrusted to us be it great or small. JESUS taught this when the poor widow gave her few coins when those with much gave from their abundance. (Luke 21:1-4)

Obedience to GOD leads Christians to use what GOD has entrusted to them for HIS plan and purpose. It reflects our hearts toward GOD.

Paul brings his point to, “What do we, as humans, really need as we read verse 8 –  ⁸ But if we have food and clothing,^[e] we will be content with these.

What is vital to life upon earth? What is vital to eternal life?

Where do you, as a person, make a secure, eternal investment?

Paul was not condemning wealth but putting material possessions in proper perspective. Having wealth combined with the proper desire to obediently serve GOD is a good thing. I have been acquainted with some very wealthy people over the years who were solid Christians. Unless you knew them you never knew how they used their wealth to help others. As scripture reveals in Matthew 6:3 - But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Having wealth is not the issue, it is how we use our wealth.

Many of us think, only if I had wealth. Paul addresses this as we read on -----

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:9-11:

⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root^[f] of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

(f) 1 Timothy 6:10 Or is the root

Having the desire to be rich in material things does not come without a cost. Having the desire takes our energy and focus off GOD and shifts it to the material world. JESUS had something to say about this in Luke 9:25 - What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?

Fight the Good Fight

¹¹ But you, man of God, run from these things,
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.

So, what does the Apostle Paul tell us along with Pastor Timothy?

You, Pastor Timothy or fellow Christian, don’t walk but run from the desire to pursue the things the world has to offer but instead diligently “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”  Pursue the things building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS offers.

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

Instructions to the Rich

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God,^[g] who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves a good reserve^[h] for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.

(g) 1 Timothy 6:17 Other mss read on the living God

(h) 1 Timothy 6:19 Or foundation

So, what does a Christian do if he or she is already rich? He or she is to put their wealth in proper perspective. Just because he or she is wealthy, does not mean he or she is Spiritually mature. Wealth is not the measure but a person’s relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

The wealthy need to honestly examine themselves and their Spiritual attitude in view of their eternal security. What is vital for all to be eternally secure? Is it in our material wealth or in our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS? All should ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts to reveal anything in our lives that is a hindrance to being an obedient servant of GOD in HIS Kingdom upon earth. In whom do we depend upon in times of need? Do we depend upon our wealth or GOD in times of need? How do those with wealth look upon those less fortunate than they are? If they help others, are they giving them a hand-up or a hand-out?

The Apostle Paul gives some sound advice to Pastor Timothy and to all who read his letter. How should Pastor Timothy, Pastors and Christians alike counsel themselves when it comes to being materially rich as they live in this world. Yes, we, as Christians, provide for our loved ones to be taken care of when we transition from earth to heaven but the Apostle Paul put into perspective what having material possessions really means in verse “⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.” GOD teaches us to invest wisely.

One big consideration is, do those with wealth want to give a hand-up or a hand-out to those in need of material possessions? Do they give a person a fish or teach those in need how to fish?

“Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace.

Motivate us to give in response to the mercy

and grace we have experienced.”

By Robert Mitchell, Worship Leader Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC

Blessings!!!