Mar 17th 1Tim 6 “Contendedness” In the 1828 edition of the Webster’s dictionary we find this definition: n. state of resting in mind; quiet, satisfaction of mind with any condition or event. From William Gouge’s Puritan sermon we note: “This general matter of contentedness, a satisfaction of mind, doth not only put a distinguishing difference betwixt contentedness and covetousness, but also sheweth that they are diametrically contrary one to another: for a covetous mind is never satisfied with any estate: and a contented mind is never unsatisfied with any.” This is precisely what Paul was telling Timothy as he brought this first letter to a close. “Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit.” To help Timothy see this he used the false teachers as his example. He said, look in the mirror false teachers, what do you see? This is what I see: you are not contented but are conceited, devoid of spiritual understanding, you have an unhealthy interest in controversies and verbal disputes. All of this is leading to strife within the church as well as “envy, dissension, slanders, evil suspicions; and constant bickering” all because you suppose that godliness is a way of making profit. Translation in today’s language: Send me your money and God will bless you (prosperity theology). This is nothing more than testing God as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Psa 78:18 “They willfully challenged God by asking for food to satisfy their appetite.” Therefore, Paul said, all you need is shelter and food which God will and has provided. Contentedness begins when we see that material possessions are transitory and simply tools to bring glory to God for His work. Matthew wrote: ““Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear.” In contrast the parable of the rich farmer revealed his true covetous heart. “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded back from you, but who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ So it is with the one who stores up riches for himself, but is not rich toward God.” Beloved are you in a state of contentedness or are you like the false teachers who camped out in Ephesus seeking more material wealth and status because they had a heart of covetousness?
Posted on: Mon, 17 Mar 2014 09:00:01 +0000
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