Godly Contentment

In the wake of many natural calamities in many parts of the world, the world needs generous people more than ever. We are on our 4th week of bushfire appeal, and thank you so much for your generosity and willingness to help. We have heard pledges of financial support around the world to the bushfire-stricken areas. But the actual dollars are coming in at a turtle-pace. Our donation is thru to the RFS after we do our last next Sunday. Thank you, Church, for your giving! Let’s read/pray:

1 Ti 6:5–11 – Some people exploit godliness (godly life; piety, religion, good deeds) and make a means of gain/profit/wealth. From such withdraw yourself. 6) Now godliness (godly life; piety, religion, good deeds) with contentment is great gain. 7) For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8) And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Tim 6:17-19 – 17) Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18) Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19) storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

In this House, we are not preachers of a gospel that says being poor is God’s desire for you. Nor preach a prosperity gospel rooted in greed. We don’t preach and teach the Word of God nor use the Holy Word as a means to financial gain. In v5, the Apostle pointed out that some preachers and prophets used the Word of God in their self-concocted "quick-get-rich" scheme. They used the Word of God as a platform to fill their pockets with money. Paul called them false prophets/preachers! And told Timothy to stay away from them.

In this house, we preach the Good News that God can bless you in your poverty and your riches. God is God and that His Word for you is final, whether you are in a lousy season or good season of your life! And because of the consistency and reliability of God, I encourage you to stick with Him even when He seems absent. The Spirit of God is ever-present regardless of time and space!

We acknowledge that poverty and wealth are both economic realities of life. 1 Sam. 2:7, "The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles, and he exalts." God made Abraham wealthy (Gen. 13:1-14). God made Isaac wealthy (Gen. 26:12-14). God made Joseph wealthy (Gen. 39:2-5). Same with Job (Job 42:12). But, likewise, God was with Job in his poverty and ill health.

Being content is critical to experiencing joy in life. It is key to a happy life! Contentment is satisfaction with what one has. But it is not something that you were born with. It is something you learn and develop. While money is necessary for human survival, we do not live by bread alone. We brought nothing into this world; we can't take anything from this world. When it comes to true riches, having the right perspective is crucial.

In Phil. 4:10-20, the Bible teaches that key to contentment or being content is:

1. not found in what you have but in who you have. Ultimate joy and satisfaction are rooted in our relationship with Christ. In Phil. 4:13, the Apostle Paul noted, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” From this confession of the Apostle, let us continue our journey to discover that “true sufficiency is a sufficiency in Jesus.”

2. accepting you have all you need right where you are.

3. standing in faith that God will take care of everything you need.

This morning, let's examine Godly contentment, which is far beyond just being content. A brief background of the text might be helpful. Paul’s letter indicates that it is for everyone. You'll find both the wealthy and those aspiring to be rich in the Church. Around AD 63 to 65, Ephesus was one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire, and, so, a teaching on being content and having godly contentment was very much needed.

v5-11 - the apostle’s instruction to Timothy how to shepherd and teach members of the Church who aspire to get rich. Vs. 17-19 is what to teach the wealthy members of the Church. In 6:5-6), Paul emphasized the powerful combination of godliness with contentment, and, how godliness devoid of contentment is destructive. In v9, Paul identifies the four dangers of progressive pitfalls that wealth-seekers should avoid: