TR Hartley

What does it mean for a Christian to be godly?  What does it mean for a Christian to be content?  How do those concepts intersect?  And what do you do with that?

1 Timothy 6: 3-8: “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people 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.”

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”  The context here is Paul instructing Timothy to avoid false teachers and materialism.  (Christianity has always had a problem with people who seek Christian leadership and influence to amass wealth, starting with Judas!)

And certainly, it’s important to think through what we actually need, and should strive for in our finances.  Are we seeking a greater affluence than would help us most fully live for Jesus? 

And, this word ‘godliness’ is central to 1 Timothy; Paul uses it eight times in this short letter!  (See 1 Timothy 2:2, 3:16, 4:7, 4:8, 6:3, 6:5, 6:6, and 6:11.)  The Greek word Paul uses that we have translated as ‘godliness’ is eusebeia, which means respect or reverence, or in Paul’s usage, piety towards God.  “Godliness” means having a lived-out reverence for God. 

So, “godliness with contentment” is a life that is characterized both by honoring God and by contentment.  And that, according to Paul, is “great gain”.

Application

So, what does “godliness with contentment” entail, for you?  Do you feel that “great gain” in your life?  

Let’s sit with the Lord, and ask Him to give us insight and growth in this. 

First, think of someone you know who does have “godliness with contentment.”  What characterizes that person?

Now, take a few minutes to prayerfully think through, and write down your thoughts on these questions.

 1. What areas of my life do I do “godliness with contentment” well?  (Areas here can be broad categories like “work” or “friendships”, or more specified like “my small group at church”.)  

2. Where are the areas in my life where I struggle with “godliness with contentment”?  Take a few moments to prayerfully reflect with the Holy Spirit.

3. What are the differences between the areas where I’m succeeding at “godliness with contentment” and struggling with it?

4. What do you do with these thoughts?  How can you start to grow in “godliness with contentment” in your life?  Ask the Holy Spirit to show you.