True Contentment

Healthy churches find true contentment in their pursuit of godliness. 1. Pursue godliness. “If anyone teaches a different doctrine…” — 1 Timothy 6:3 “...he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” — 1 Timothy 6:4-5 Godliness is directed reverence. 2. Pursue godliness with contentment. “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.” — 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Godly contentment is not a change in circumstance, it’s union with Christ. “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:11-13 Godly contentment is not detachment from stuff, it’s devotion with the Savior. “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” — 1 Timothy 6:8-10 “The love of worldly possessions entangles the soul and keeps it from flying to God.” — Augustine Godliness with contentment is great gain.