1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9.But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses……17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us RICHLY all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
1 Tim 6:1-12,17-19
Q & A：
- Discuss what “godliness with contentment is great gain” means to you, taking into consideration the fact that we brought nothing when we came into this world and can take nothing out when we leave. Discuss what the costs are or sorrow/anxiety resulted for our pursuit of success and wealth based on the world values, with reference to health, relationship with family, friends and God. (1 Tim 6:6-7; Ecc 5:14-15; 1 Tim 6:9-10)
- In contrast to putting our trust in uncertain riches and living a life of sorrows as a result of the love of money and greediness, what adjustment should we make in our lives to trust in the living God, in terms of making investments, building businesses, developing careers, managing finances and priorities? (1 Tim 6:11-12, 17)
- Do you have the right perspective that God is Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider and He desires to give us richly all things to enjoy? Discuss how we can be good stewards of God’s money on earth in terms of good works and giving, where God will test our hearts to reveal what is still a stronghold in our lives. (Matt 7:11; Rom 8:32; Phil 4:19; 1 Tim 6:18-19; Prov 19:17; Prov 28:27)