4/12/26—1 Timothy 6:2b–10
Opening Prayer
“Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.” (Psalm 119:18)
Lord, help us see clearly today. Shape our thinking through your Word, not the world. Teach us what truly matters, and give us hearts that are content in Christ. Amen.
INTRO: This week’s sermon challenged us to take a hard look at what really matters. We were reminded that what we believe shapes how we live—and that false ideas, especially about money and gain, can quietly pull our hearts away from the truth.
Paul calls Timothy to teach and urge what is true, because what we make much of will shape our lives and the lives of others. The gospel reorders what we value—and shows us what actually lasts.
MAIN POINT: Godliness with contentment is great gain—because what matters most at the end is what matters most now.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Have someone read aloud: 1 Timothy 6:2b–10. Take a few minutes and share: What stood out to you? What felt convicting or encouraging?
Additional references from the sermon include James 3; Philippians 4:11–13; Job 1:21; Matthew 16:24–26.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What is shaping your thinking right now? (1 Timothy 6:3–5)
Reminder: What you teach, what you do, and what you make much of… shapes everything around you.
– What voices or ideas are shaping how you think about money, success, or purpose right now?
– Where do you see wrong thinking (“stinking thinking”) affecting your life?
– How does the gospel reshape the way you think?
Q2: What are you really chasing—and what is it producing? (1 Timothy 6:9–10)
Reminder: Wanting more can become a trap—and what you think will give you life can actually take it from you.
– What do your desires reveal about what you value most?
– Where might something good (money, comfort, success) be becoming too important?
– What is that pursuit producing in your heart or relationships?
Q3: Are you living with contentment in Christ? (1 Timothy 6:6–8)
Reminder: Godliness with contentment is great gain… if we have food and clothing, we will be content.
– What makes contentment difficult for you right now?
– Where do you struggle to trust God’s provision?
– What would it look like to grow in contentment this week?
Q4: What will matter at the end—and how should that shape today? (Matthew 16:24–26)
Reminder: We bring nothing in and take nothing out—what matters most at the end matters most now.
– When you think about the end of your life, what will actually matter?
– How does that challenge your current priorities?
– What is one practical way you can live differently this week?
LET’S REMEMBER
We brought nothing into this world, and we will take nothing out. Money, success, and comfort cannot give life—they can only take it if they become our master. But in Christ, we have everything we need.
Godliness with contentment is not loss—it is true gain. When our lives are shaped by the gospel, we are freed to live for what actually matters—loving God, loving others, and finishing well.
FINAL APPLICATION
Since what we’ve discussed is true and relevant…
– What is one area where you need to loosen your grip on something temporary?
– What is one step you can take this week to pursue godliness with contentment?
Example: Instead of constantly thinking about what’s next or what’s missing, take time each day to thank God for what he has already provided—and ask him to grow your contentment in Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding us what truly matters. Guard our hearts from chasing things that won’t last. Teach us to be content in you, and to live lives shaped by your truth. Help us pursue godliness—not for gain, but because we have already gained everything in Christ. Amen.