Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, January 22, 2023 1 Timothy 6:2b-10
Godliness With Contentment

Introduction: Teach and urge these things (6:2b). It is important to have a deep and robust theology. The goal of theology is not spiritual information but spiritual transformation. If we think rightly about God, we will live rightly before Him. Our theology puts us on a path.

1. The Theology of a Disciple: The Path of Godliness (6:3)

   If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness...

   How do we distinguish true doctrine from false doctrine?

   • True doctrine agrees with what Jesus said and what all the Bible says.

   • True doctrine produces godliness.

     If anyone offers a new interpretation or revelation, flee that false teacher. If anyone’s teaching does not produce godliness, it is false. Do not follow it.

     Father, please help us to follow Jesus and pursue godliness.

2. The Theology of an Apostate: The Path of Destruction (6:4-5)

   ...he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy...which produce[s] envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions.... imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

   Characteristics of the false teacher:

   • He is conceited, but actually understands nothing.

   • He has an unhealthy craving for controversy; he is spiritually sick.

   • His false teaching leads to dissension.

   • He turns Christianity into a means of material gain. Money and wealth is his motivation.

     Lord, please help us to recognize false teachers and avoid the theology and path of materialism!

3. The Great Gain of the Gospel: Godliness With Contentment (6:6-8)

   But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

   Godliness is great gain, provided it is linked with contentment. Paul gives two reasons we should be content:

   • You can’t take it with you. Every person enters and exits the same.

   • You have all that you need already.

     Father, thank You that in Christ we have the great gain of godliness with contentment!

4. Avoiding the Destructive Detour: Guard Your Heart Against the Love of Money. (6:9-10)

   But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, ...For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils...
   It is not money that is the root of evil, but the love of money. We must fight wanting things that we don’t have.

   We are to manage our material goods that God gives us, but not worship or love them more than we love Him.

   Lord, please teach every one of us to be content in You alone.