1 Timothy 6:6-19
This Week’s Main Idea:
We live in a culture that constantly craves more, but we are called to flee those cravings and be content with what God has given us. One of the greatest testimonies we can offer about what we believe about God’s good character is an attitude of contentment—trusting that God has and will provide all we need—and to demonstrate that trust by being generous and eager to share what we have with others.
Icebreaker:
Think about the past week. What is one thing you saw and thought, “I have got to have that”?
Introduction:
One of the greatest challenges we face as we strive to be serious followers of Jesus is the struggle for contentment in a materialistic society. In order to understand true contentment, we have to reject the notion that contentment has anything to do with accumulating material possessions. Contentment is a choice.
Read 1 Timothy 6:6-10
1. When we struggle to be content, what are we saying about our view of God and our relationship with Him?
2. How does recognizing the shortness of life change our perspective on money?
3. How can the desire to be rich become a snare?
Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16
4. Why is it important that we not only flee from worldly attitudes and actions, but also replace them with Godly pursuits?
5. How might viewing the Christian life as “the good fight of the faith” change the way you approach spiritual growth?
Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19
6. How might having wealth tempt us to become arrogant?
7. What is the link between the generosity described in verses 18-19 and “godliness with contentment”?
8. What steps could you take this week to deepen your joy in Christ rather than your possessions and money?
9. Who do you know who models a focus on lasting treasures? What about that person stands out? What trait would you most like to imitate?
Suggested prayer request:
Thank you, God, for your abundant generosity toward me. I pray that you would help me to run from the temptation to seek satisfaction in temporary things. As the work of Christ overwhelms all lesser concerns, may joy and satisfaction be obvious in my life.
Other Scriptures to Engage with this week:
Psalm 37; Psalm 46; Psalm 81; Hebrews 6:7-18; Hebrews 13:1-16; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15