Generosity Series - Watch Out For Greed (Part B)

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Watch Out For Greed (Part B)

The Danger of the Love of Money: Timothy 6:6-11

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  

Observations and Questions (Verses 6-11):

• Verse 6: "But godliness with contentment is great gain."

  • What does "godliness" mean to you in this context? How does it relate to our attitude towards material possessions?

  • What is "contentment"? How does it differ from complacency? Why does Paul link godliness and contentment as "great gain"? What kind of "gain" is he referring to?

  • Can you think of examples where godliness and contentment have brought "great gain" in someone's life (biblical or otherwise)?

• Verse 7: "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it."

  • How does this verse challenge the idea that our worth or identity is tied to our possessions?

• Verse 8: "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

  • This seems like a very basic standard of contentment. In our modern, consumer-driven society, is this level of contentment achievable or realistic for most people? Why or why not?

  • What are some of the "needs" that our society often elevates beyond "food and clothing"? How can we discern between genuine needs and culturally conditioned wants?

• Verse 9: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."   

  • Paul isn't condemning wealth itself here, but the desire or pursuit of it. Why is the wanting to get rich so dangerous? What kinds of "temptations" and "traps" might those focused on wealth encounter?

  • What are some examples of "foolish and harmful desires" that can accompany the pursuit of wealth? How can these desires lead to "ruin and destruction" – both personally and in relationships?

• Verse 10: "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."   

  • Notice that Paul says "the love of money," not money itself, is the root of evil. What's the difference? How can money become something we "love" in a harmful way?  

  • What are some examples of "all kinds of evil" that can stem from the love of money?

  • How might someone who is "eager for money" wander from the faith? What kinds of "griefs" might they experience as a result?

• Verse 11: "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness."

  • Paul gives Timothy a clear directive: "flee" from the love of money and its associated dangers. What does it mean to "flee" from something in a spiritual sense? What actions might this involve?

  • Instead of pursuing wealth, what qualities should a "man (or woman) of God" actively "pursue"? Why are these qualities presented as the better alternative? How do these contrast with the desires associated with the love of money?

    
    

Instructions for the Rich: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  

Observations and Questions (Verses 17-19):

• Paul now specifically addresses those who are rich. Why are arrogance and reliance on wealth particularly dangerous for the wealthy?

• What does it mean to "put their hope in God"? How does this contrast with putting hope in wealth? Why is wealth described as "uncertain"? Can you think of examples of the uncertainty of wealth?

• Paul reminds them that God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." How should this understanding of God's provision influence a wealthy person's attitude towards their possessions? Is enjoyment inherently wrong?

• Verse 18: "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share."

  • What does it mean to be "rich in good deeds"? How can wealth be used to facilitate good deeds?

  • Why are generosity and a willingness to share presented as important characteristics for the wealthy? How do these actions counteract the potential negative effects of wealth?

• Verse 19: "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."   

  • How does being generous and rich in good deeds relate to "laying up treasure for themselves"? What kind of treasure is Paul talking about here? How does it differ from earthly wealth?

  • What does it mean to have a "firm foundation for the coming age"? How does our earthly stewardship of wealth impact our eternal future?

  • What is "the life that is truly life"? How does it connect with how we handle our resources in this present world?

Connecting the Sections:

• How do the warnings in verses 6-11 about the dangers of pursuing wealth relate to the instructions given to the already wealthy in verses 17-19?

• What common thread runs through both sections regarding the proper attitude towards material possessions?

• How can those who are not traditionally considered "rich" apply the principles in both sections to their own lives?

• What does this entire passage teach us about true wealth and lasting security?

Personal Reflection questions:

• Where do you find your sense of security and contentment?

• Are there any areas in your life where the love of money might be subtly influencing your decisions or priorities?

• How can you cultivate a greater sense of contentment, regardless of your financial situation?

• If you have been blessed with material wealth, how are you using it to do good, be generous, and share with others?

• What steps can you take to lay up treasure in heaven and take hold of "the life that is truly life"?