We Endure, Pt. 15—Learning The
Secrets of Contentment
1
Timothy 6:3-10
Some teachers TWIST scripture
to support their ideas
After
telling Timothy about the kind of elders/teachers who should be
honored, Paul describes those who should be rejected (1 Tim.
5:17-19). During the first century, many teachers and preachers
would travel to churches sharing their message, some of whom were
false teachers. False teachers would arrogantly disagree, start
disunity and dissension, and draw people away to follow them. The
essence of false teaching perverts the person and mission of Jesus
and twists scripture to manipulate people (Matt. 7:15-20; Acts
20:28- 31; 2 Cor. 4:2, 5; 2 Pet. 3:15, 16). The clear teaching
of—and submission to—scripture is a hallmark of godly pastors (1
Pet. 5:1- 4). False teachers elevate their feelings and dreams,
focus on money or materialism, and offer nothing to the church but
criticism and self-service. Biblical belief is not only cognition
but conduct. People act on what they believe, and the greatest
judgment is on those teaching unbiblical error and encouraging
others to do it (Matt. 23:1-3, 15, 25, 26, 33; James 3:1). Taught
right + live right = is right!
Contentment is the key to a
FULFILLING life
Ephesus was a wealthy Roman port city. In a culture
where wealth was considered evidence of God’s blessing, some
believers struggled with contentment. False teachers distorted the
fact God loves to bless His children, with the idea that the godly
will have gained. While it is true that the favor of God can bring
finances, the lack of it doesn’t mean a lack of God’s favor.
Believers can be thankful and rejoice always knowing God loves them
(Eph. 5:20; 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Evidence of God’s blessing isn’t
always cash, but it’s always contentment! Scripture supports the
principle of hard work and maximizing opportunities, but some
Christians focused on wealth and had left the faith. This path
starts with dissatisfaction, then coveting, and then greed. Money
is morally neutral and isn’t evil, but the love (Gr. philarguria,
‘love of silver, money) of it is (Prov. 15:27; 23:4, 5; Mark 4:18,
19; Heb. 13:5). Don’t seek stuff more than your Savior! The best
way to keep wealth from destroying your soul is to be
heavenly-minded and earthly generous (Deut. 8:17, 18; Prov. 10:22;
Matt. 6:19-24, 31-33). A fulfilling life comes from an appreciation
for God, thankfulness to God, and contentment from God.
God promised to provide
for our needs, not our greed!
About the Podcast
Podcast of services from Orchard Church Temecula / Murrieta California