Lessons

Timothy Study – Part 13. The lesson on June 3, 2007 continues the series in the last chapter in 1 Timothy and picks up in 1 Timothy 6:3-11. Timothy was receiving teaching and exhortations on Widows, Elders, and Servants in the church and starting in verse 3 of chapter six we find Paul addressing the sentiment of not being satisfied with your lot in life. That’s why Paul says in verse 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” It’s contentment that we need to have. Are you expecting to receive more than you reasonably ought to expect? That is the problem with most people in today’s society and we ruin our witness for Christ. The source of contentment is godliness and Paul has talked about godliness 9 times in 1 Timothy. Twice in Chapter 2. 1 Tim 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 1 Tim 2:9-10 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” We learn that prayer is important part of godliness and that for the women, dressing modestly practices godliness. The third time in Chapter 3:16 “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” This reminds us as Christians that we have the indwelling power to behave with a steady conformity to the will of God. Righteousness is the product of godliness. Fourth reference is in 1 Tim 4:7 “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables , and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” Then the last five references to godliness occurs in chapter 6. The lesson finishes on discussing the will of God and obstacles to godliness which include pride.