Introduction
We studied several lessons with a wealth or financial theme in recent
weeks. Do we need these? I would say yes. Have you read studies about the
younger generation, and their giving to the church? The percentage of income
the younger generation gives is less than their parents generation. Why
do you think that would be true? Younger people may find they are in deep
debt because their wants exceeded their income, and the lenders were too
lenient. Let's look at how the Spirit led Paul's teaching on the subject
of wealth.
1. The . . Cultivation of Good Teaching About Wealth. v 6:3-5
A. The Cultivation of Good Teaching . . Promotes
Truth About Wealth. v 3 - 4a
3 If anyone
teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our
Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, 4
he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes
and arguments over words.
1. Promotes . . Sound Teaching.
v 3
2. Promotes . . Sensible
Teaching. v 4a
a. Not Sick Teaching.
B. The Cultivation of Good Teaching . . Pinpoints
Truth About Wealth. v 4b - 6
"From these come
envy, quarreling, slanders, evil suspicions, 5 and constant
disagreement
among men whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine
that godliness
is a way to material gain.
1. Pinpoints Truth Through
the . . Contrast of Error. v 4b
2. Pinpoints Truth Through
the . . Constant Disagreements of Error. v 5
How do we cultivate and promote
good teaching about wealth, we must make sure the teaching is doctrinally
sound. The so called "health and wealth gospel," is not doctrinally sound.
In an article written in the Charisma Magazine, a few years ago,
Benny Hinn admitted the poor people of the Philippines caused him to change
his mind about God wanting everyone to be wealthy. To emphasize wealth
over the saving gospel of our Lord is not sensible teaching, but should
be called senseless and "sick." We pinpoint good teaching when we contrast
truth with the qualities error produces. Error constantly accents false
concepts about wealth. Paul stressed godliness as the kind of wealth a
Christian needs.
2. The . . Clarification from Good
Teaching About Wealth. v 6:6-10
A. Good Teaching Clarifies . . Contentment with
Wealth. v 6-8
6 But
godliness with contentment is a great gain. 7 For we
brought nothing into the world,
and we can take nothing out. 8 But if we have food
and clothing, we will be content
with these.
1. Clarifies . . Great Contentment.
v 6
2. Clarifies . . Great Conclusions.
v 7
3. Clarifies . . Great Conviction.
v 8
B. Good Teaching Clarifies . . Correct Thinking About Wealth. v 9-10
1. Correct Thinking About
the . . Riches of Wealth. v 9
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and
many foolish
and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.
a. Riches and the . . Temptation of Wealth. v 9a
b. Riches and the . . Trap of Wealth. v 9b
2. Correct Thinking About
the . . Roots of Wealth. v 10
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,
and by craving it, some have
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.
a. Roots from the Love of Money Produces . . Evil Roots. v 10a
b. Roots from the Love of Money Produces . . Engaging Roots. v 10b
To clarify, Paul says "godliness
with contentment is a great gain." This clarification about contentment
produces "great conclusions" as we realize what we take out of this world.
Godly contentment also produces "great convictions" about the necessities
of life, which will focus on correct teaching. When we allow the cultivation
of correct teaching it causes us to know the temptations and traps wealth
may bring. What is the root of evil? The love of money; and it has evil
roots and engaging roots that may cause many painful situations. A study
a few years ago discovered very few wealthy people said they had really
happy lives. In contrast, many people with less money did believe they
had a happy life.
3. The . . Conduct from Good Teaching About Wealth. v 6:11-12
A. Good Teaching Leads to . . Proper Conduct Related
to Wealth. v 11
11 Now
you, man of God, run from these things; but pursue righteousness, godliness,
faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.
1. Proper to Run From .
. These Things. v 11a
2. Proper to Run Toward
. . These Things. v 11b
B. Good Teaching Leads to . . Parading Conduct
Related to Wealth. v 12
12 Fight
the good fight for the faith; take hold of eternal life, to which you were
called and
have made a good confession before many witnesses.
1. Parading Conduct Related
to Your . . Calling. v 12a
2. Parading Conduct Related
to Your . . Confession. v 12b
C. Good Teaching Leads to . . Preparing Conduct
Related to Wealth. v 17-19
17 Instruct
those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their
hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with
all things to enjoy. 18 [Instruct them] to do good, to
be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, 19
storing up for themselves a good foundation for the age to come, so that
they may take hold of life that is real.
1. Preparing Conduct Related
to the . . Provider of Wealth. v 17
2. Preparing Conduct Related
to the . . Privileges of Wealth. v 18
3. Preparing Conduct Related
to the . . Permanence of Wealth. v 19
Good teaching about wealth
leads to proper conduct, and demonstrates itself in what a people run from,
and what they run toward. I have seen ministers get entangleed in a pursuit
for financial gain that caused them to lose all of what they had, even
their family. Paul wants Timothy to (in effect) parade his conduct from
good teaching as he "fights the good fight." This parading of godly qualities
stem from his calling from God and the convictions produced through his
confession. This conduct will be prepared from reflection on God, the provider
of wealth, and the privileges true wealth brings. The proper conduct also
prepares us to focus on the wealth that is permanent, and store up a good
foundation for the age to come. Amen? Amen