April 13
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GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT RESULT IN GREAT GAIN
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. – 1 Timothy 6:3-6
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In this letter, Paul clearly commands the believers never to entertain doctrines that do not conform with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 3, he uses “sound words that comes only from God’s word”. When people twist or use their own words or interpretation about something that God said in His word, they are dangerous. The devil is very clever and cunning in subtly injecting half truths that they almost appear like true. This is why believers need to abide in Christ and meditate on His word day and night. If we do not know the character of our Lord and His promises, we will easily be manipulated to believe these very cleverly seemingly true teachings, whey they are actually false. In verse 4, Paul explains that the source of these desire to present a different gospel or doctrine has to do with pride and conceit. It has nothing to do with godliness, but a desire of the flesh to be satisfied or gratified with disputes and questions about words. In verse 5, he points out the depraved mind and the person deprived of truth. These kinds of unbelievers, are out to drag others into their darkness and confusion. By this, evil will be propagated and there will be no one saved. In Joh 10:10, we clearly know that the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy the Kingdom. It is interesting how Paul brings so much clarity when he gave us a picture of how the depraved mind and the deceived of truth bicker at each other. This is the work of the enemy, to keep each person in a cycle of going around in futile exchanged of words or ideas, to feed their egos. In verse 6, we are given the reason why godliness only works when it is coupled with contentment. When we strive for a pure life for the sake of our own desire to be saved, it does us no good. It is only a means of gaining a reward for what is done. Contentment only happens when we know our place in relation to our Creator. Let’s remember that if we love our Lord, we will never even attempt to add to his pre-destined plan in our lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is “contentment” a novelty in our world today?