{6:3} If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; {6:4} He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, {6:5} Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:from such withdraw thyself. {6:6} But godliness with contentment is great gain. {6:7} For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. {6:8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. {6:9} But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destructionand perdition. {6:10} For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. {6:11} But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Timothy 6:3-11
We tend to look at things in the "cause and effect" mentality
If I'm discontent then there is some cause for this effect
Well, that's true but the secret to finding the cause
Is to look for where you are outside the "design and purpose" of God
Most would read the above verse and think
Somehow we are better off poor
That the cause of discontentment is wealth
That's only true if you will not be a good steward
Godliness, what is it?
{1:1} Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth whichis after godliness; {1:2} In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; {1:3} But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; {1:4} To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Titus 1:1-4
Jesus is the truth
Following Him will lead to Godliness
{1:1} Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through therighteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: {1:2} Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, {1:3} According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of himthat hath called us to glory and virtue: {1:4} Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:1-4
When we are content to walk in His strength
Trusting in Him believing His promises
Relying upon Him and not...
Our wealth, our wisdom, our understanding, etc
Then we will start to have everything we need come to us!
We will become a fountain for His blessings to each other
{3:16} And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels,preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
1 Timothy 3:16
God's design is for us to be just like Jesus
"God-likeness"
His purpose for us?
Only man has the capacity to love God
Only in this way, by fulfilling our purpose can we become content!
Godliness with contentment
Be like Jesus...love God with all your heart
That which you keep will be lost
That which you give to Him is great gain
The season of my discontent
Is a place where I mistakenly think I have been short changed
The season of my discontent
Tells me I have found another place
where I love something more than God
It becomes another place for me to look unto Jesus
The knowledge of the truth leads to godliness and contentment
The more you know Jesus the more godly and content you will be
![[pulsating cross]](astar2.gif)
