Two Pillars Of Christian Happiness

TWO PILLARS OF HAPPINESS - 1 Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness with contentment is great gain. {7} For we brought nothing into world, certain we can carry nothing out. {8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

INTRO:

Happiness as a Christian rests on two great pillars, Godliness and Contentment. If either collapses the building of our happiness falls.

I/ PILLAR #1 - GODLINESS

1. What is it ?

It is God likeness. It is when we behave like Godly people.

2. We can tell what it is by what it is associated with in scripture:

a. Honesty - 1 Timothy 2:2

For kings, and all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all [godliness] and honesty.

b. Good works - 1 Timothy 2:10

But (which becometh women professing [godliness]) with good works.

c. Faith, Love, Patience and Meekness -

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, [godliness], faith, love, patience, meekness.

d. Holy Conversation - 2 Peter 3:11

then all these things shall be dissolved,what manner ought ye to be in holy conversation and [godliness],

3. Where is the source of Godliness? - It comes from Jesus 2 Peter 1:3 "According as his DIVINE POWER hath GIVEN unto US all things that unto life and [godliness], through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

4. What Godliness is not!

a. Perverse disputings, supposing that gain is godliness 1 Timothy 6:5 "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is [godliness]: from such withdraw thyself.

b. Acting godly, but denying God’s power

2 Timothy 3:5 "Having a form of [godliness], but denying the power thereof:from such turn away.

II/ PILLAR #2 - CONTENTMENT

1. The Reason for being Content

Hebrews 13:5 conversation without covetousness; [content] with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

2. What we need to be Content

1 Timothy 6:8

And having food and raiment let us be therewith [content].

Many people are not content with the work they are doing because the grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence. They are dissatisfied even when their circumstances are favorable. Instead of doing their duty cheerfully and conscientiously as unto the Lord, they yield to a spirit of covetousness. As a result, they miss God’s best for their lives and fail to see the blessings they already have.

An ancient Persian legend tells of a wealthy man by the name of Al Haffed who owned a large farm. One evening a visitor related to him tales of fabulous amounts of diamonds that could be found in other parts of the world, and of the great riches they could bring him. The vision of all this wealth made him feel poor by comparison. So instead of caring for his own

prosperous farm, he sold it and set out to find these treasures.

But the search proved to be fruitless. Finally, penniless and in despair, he committed suicide by jumping into the sea.

Meanwhile, the man who had purchased his farm noticed one day the glint of an unusual stone in a shallow stream on the property. He reached into the water, and to his amazement he pulled out a huge diamond. Later when working in his garden, he uncovered many more valuable gems. Poor Al Haffed had spent his life

traveling to distant lands seeking jewels when the farm he had left behind were all the precious stones his heart could have ever desired.

3. What does a Christian need to be content?

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, to be [content].

JOY AND HAPPINESS IN CHRIST IS NOT POSSIBLE IF ONE OF THESE PILLARS MISSING:

III/ SUPPOSE YOU HAVE GODLINESS WITHOUT CONTENTMENT

1. The Bible says What ever is not of faith is sin

Romans 14:23 -"And he that doubteth is damned if he eat,because not of faith: for whatsoever not of faith is sin." A heart that is complaining is a heart that has fear and anxiety.

2. The root of discontentment is lust and covetousness, If you are not content, then you are sinning. You are saying God is not fair to me, and your discontent turns to coveteousness and a distain for godly things.

3. The Bible says that Incontentment is a sign of a reprobate - 2 Timothy 3:3 "Without natural affection, trucebreakers,false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4. Discontentment results in Alcoholism, Drug addiction and Mental Disorders. Billy Graham once quoted a director of a large General Hospital as estimating that 70% of the patients were suffering from psychoneurotic symptoms.