1Tim 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Tim 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Tim 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
1Tim 6:9 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.
1Tim 6:10 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.
One of the most profound scriptures in the Bible written by the Apostle Paul is 1 Timothy 6:6.
It is a powerful scripture with wisdom for life, especially for those that are in the faith who serve the LORD, or who lead, teach, preach or minister the Word.
But overall it is a powerful exhortation for life and godliness for all who are followers of Christ.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 1Timothy 6:6 , “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
This is an interesting scripture when you think about it. Because today, there is the opposite.
There is ungodliness instead of godliness, and covetousness instead of contentment.
In the scriptural context of 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul tells us, “That there are men of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, who suppose that gain is godliness.”
In other words, they think that the more money they have, the more godly they are! He then tells us, “From such individuals withdraw yourself.”
It is not the money that makes one more godly, it is their relationship with the LORD!
Worldliness and wealth does not makes a man godly, it is his relationship through salvation in Christ that makes one godly.
In fact, Paul tells us, if one has that mindset, we should withdraw from them!
1Tim 6:5 Perverse disputing’s of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But let us bring some profound wisdom to this. Because God desires that we be partakers of all good things, and in fact, “He has given us all good things to enjoy!”
1 Tim 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
What the Apostle Paul is basically saying is that the mindset of godliness with contentment is great gain.
That we don’t have to chase the riches, wealth and money, because if you have the right mindset in relation to these things, God will grace and bless your life, and the riches will overtake you!
Let us first understand that our Father in Heaven, the Most High God, owns all things!
The scriptures tell us:
Psalm 121:1 A Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help?
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Since God is the maker of heaven and earth, and the creator and owner of all things, he owns it all!
And if you are his beloved sons and daughters, he desires to bless you with all good things that pertain to life and godliness. ( :
Gal 3:29 tells us, “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
If you have been born of his Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Christ, you are an heir of God!!
But understand, the source of all ungodliness comes from what the world calls “mammon” which is worldly wealth!
Wealth and riches are good in its proper context and does great things to make our lives better, and to provide for our families, meet the needs of the churches, widows, orphans, provide for poor, the homeless, those in need, and even to be a blessing to others!
But wealth and riches in its improper context gives birth to all kinds of crime, drugs, violence, murder, destroys marriages, friendships, relationships and many other things that plague our society today!
The problem with worldly wealth, is that there are some people who have sold their soul to the devil, (Satan) for ungodly wealth, and will do anything to possess it and keep it to themselves!
Satan even tried to tempt Yeshua Christ with worldly wealth. Listen to the response of our LORD Christ!
Mat 4:8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Mat 4:9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Mat 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND HIM ONLY YOU SHALL SERVE.’ ”
So, we see that the devil can give riches and wealth to anyone he desires, as long as they worship him!
But Christ understood this and said, “You shall worship the LORD your God and him only you shall serve!”
In other words, love God, and put God first! Put his agenda first, the things of the Kingdom first and God will bless your life high and above measure! The scriptures tell us:
Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
The book of Proverbs was written primarily by Solomon, who was not only the richest man of his time, but also the wisest! But how did he acquire all of it?
Well, in 1 Kings 3:5-13 and 2 Chron 1:7-12, the LORD appears to Solomon in a dream and asks him, what shall I give you? This was because his Father David served the LORD with uprightness of heart, and so the blessing was passed down to his son, Solomon.
So, the scripture records that Solomon did not ask for riches, long life, or the death of his enemies, but he asked for wisdom, knowledge, and an understanding heart, and the Bible says it pleased the LORD!
The LORD then said, because you have not asked for riches, long life, or the death of your enemies, I am going to give wisdom like no other has even had, and even those things you did not ask for!
1Kings 3:11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
1Kings 3:12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.
1Kings 3:13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
2 Chron 1:11 Then God said to Solomon: “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life—but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king—
2 Chron 1:12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.”
So, what we see here is that Solomon had godly contentment. He did not ask for riches, but he wanted wisdom, knowledge and understanding!
We should do likewise! Because wisdom comes from God!
Pro 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Why do we need wisdom and understanding? Because these are the principles in which God can give you God ideas, spirit led insight and innovations from heaven!
These are the wisdom keys in which God blesses his people! And guess what?
I would rather have heavenly wealth then worldly wealth any day!
Kingdom riches are way more valuable then worldly riches! I always say, I have done many funerals as a Pastor, and have never seen a U-Haul behind a funeral hearse!
But understand, it is the LORD who gives wisdom, and he can also bless your life!
Proverbs 10:22 The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.
Proverbs 13:7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; and one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
Proverbs 28:20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
So, in conclusion, the Apostle Paul tells us:
1Tim 6:9 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.
1Tim 6:10 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.
Notice, that those who chase after riches and desire to be rich can fall into a temptation and snare!
And it is not just money, but it is the love of money which is the root of all kinds of evil. And many have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves with many sorrows!
So, the wisdom in all things is: godliness with contentment is great gain. Which means having the right mindset about money, riches, fortune and fame.
Because in its proper context, God will bless our lives and we will be able to do great things in the Kingdom of God, be a blessing to others, and provide an inheritance for our children’s children to the third and forth generations!
God Bless!
Pastor Quinn