1 Timothy Theme: How the Church is to Function TODAY Finding Financial Contentment How to be Content with your $$

1 Timothy 6:6-10 – “ 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. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

True Contentment is Supernatural True contentment can only come from God Contentment doesn't come naturally to us because: o Our hearts are selfish o Our consumer culture

True Contentment is Supernatural Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) – “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

True Contentment is Supernatural Contentment comes through the supernatural strength of God working in us

The Big Picture Perspective You can't take it with you principle Understanding that there is much more than this physical life we experience on earth Eternity is a much bigger picture

The Big Picture Perspective Matthew 6: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The Big Picture Perspective Jesus says to invest in the eternal. This doesn’t mean to neglect the present because it doesn’t matter. It means to make the present matter by focusing on the eternal. When you have an eternal perspective you will be content with what you have because you understand that you can’t take it with you. Eternal investments through serving God are much more valuable.

Be Grateful Focus on what you do have instead of what you don't. Matter of perspective and attitude. Keep in perspective Needs vs. Wants Compare what you have with others… not with those who have more but with those who have less Have an attitude of gratitude for what you have and understand that we are blessed beyond even what we really need.

The Consequences of the Love of Money Starts with temptation to desire and love money We are to Love God with heart, soul, strength, mind, and love our neighbors. If you love money, it is taking the place of something. Either God or people. Matthew 6:24 - “You cannot serve both God and money”

The Consequences of the Love of Money Love of money leads to pursuing wealth that results in evil, ruin, destruction, and self-inflicted grief Ecclesiastes 5:10 - “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”

The Consequences of the Love of Money Love of money leads to pursuing wealth that results in evil, ruin, destruction, and self-inflicted grief You may get rich if you love money and pursue it, but it will cost you what matters most. Your relationship with God, your family, your time, and your character.

The Consequences of the Love of Money Money itself is not evil. Money is a necessity and a reality of life. 1 Timothy 5:8 - “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

The Consequences of the Love of Money Money itself is not evil. Money is a necessity and a reality of life. God has used individuals and businesses who are wealthy to do great things. If they are free from the love of $ they are willing and able to give to the church, missions and organizations helping those in need.

Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain Peace Freedom Your heart can love what matters most Perspective to make your life count for eternity

Are you content with what you have? Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”