I. Honor the Lord by Faithfully Working
A. Even under challenging conditions
1 Timothy 6:1 - All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against.
B. Especially when they are believers
1 Timothy 6:2 - Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
II. Pursue Godliness and Contentment
A. Because we can be deceived to trust false teaching
1 Timothy 6:3-5 - If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
B. Because godliness is a means of great benefit
Timothy 6:6-8 - But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
III. Reject the Belief that Money Will Solve All Your Problems
A. Because money can create problems
1 Timothy 6:9 - But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.
B. Because money can be the object of worship rather than the Lord
1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
C. Seeing how the craving for money pulls people away from the faith
D. Inflicting unnecessary grief and pain upon oneself
IV. Trust God, Share, and Enjoy His Blessings
A. Because money can lead to pride and misplaced hope
1 Timothy 6:17 - Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.
B. Because God wants us to share
1 Timothy 6:18 - Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share…
C. Because the Lord promises true abundant life
1 Timothy 6:19 - …storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
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