Be Content
Opening Prayer
Loving God, I am awed when I think of how much You love me. I’m so very grateful.
Read 1TIMOTHY 6:2-10
[2] Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. [3] If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, [4] he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions [5] and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. [8] But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [9] People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. [10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do you learn about money and wealth here?Be wary of false teachers, people Paul describes as “arrogant” (4, NLT) and whose aim is to profit financially from Christ’s work. Compare this to Paul, who worked to be self-sufficient in order not to be a burden on the Thessalonian church (see 1 Thess. 2:9). Always test what you hear in church against what the Bible actually says to ensure the teaching is consistent. Also be wary of the church member or leader whose aim is to cause rifts and arguments in the church, who, rather than supporting the body, may be pushing their own agenda.
A great temptation in today’s society is to overindulge. It could be giving in to a lust for power or feelings towards someone, to an addiction; excessive shopping leading to financial ruin; or eating too much, leading to obesity. These temptations can lead to challenges and problems that make our lives worse. Paul even warns that some people have lost their faith running after material things (10). We should be content with what God has provided for us. A good way to help us to do this is by clinging on to the great things God has already done and his future promise of eternal life.
Apply
Have you put anything ahead of God? If so, repent and ask God to help you be content with what you have (6).
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, I want nothing to ever come between us or be more important to me than You are.
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