Take Hold: Living with Contentment and Purpose
This Sunday’s message served as a powerful lead-in to our upcoming Stewardship Series. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:6–16, Pastor Richard Jackson invited us to dig deep into Paul’s words to his spiritual son, Timothy—and to consider what those words mean for our own lives today.
Paul’s message is clear: salvation is not the end point of the Christian life—it’s the beginning. Just as a newborn child requires care, growth, and guidance, believers are called to continue growing in faith, maturity, and purpose.
Paul begins with a striking statement:
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)
These two ideas—godliness and contentment—are intentionally paired. Godliness means striving to become more like Christ, even though we never fully arrive in this life. Contentment, however, is not tied to circumstances, possessions, or success.
Contentment is not about having less.
It’s about wanting less.
Paul reminds us that we brought nothing into the world and can take nothing out of it. If we have food and clothing, he says, we can learn to be content. In a culture constantly telling us we need more, this message challenges us to rethink what truly satisfies the human heart.
The Trap of Wanting More
Paul offers a clear warning:
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap…” (1 Timothy 6:9)
The issue is not money itself, but the love of money—a misplaced pursuit that pulls hearts away from God. Money, as Pastor Richard explained, acts as a magnifier. It doesn’t fix discontent; it often amplifies it.
Like bait on a hook, what looks like opportunity can quietly become captivity.
A simple but challenging question emerges from this passage:
If someone looked only at our spending, what would it say about our values?
Flee… and Pursue
Paul doesn’t stop at warning Timothy—he calls him to action:
“But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness…”
Some sins are not meant to be managed; they are meant to be escaped. Paul uses strong language—flee—meaning to run quickly and decisively away from greed and obsession with more.
But the Christian life is not only about running away from something. It is also about running toward something.
Paul urges Timothy to passionately pursue:
Righteousness
Godliness
Faith
Love
Endurance
Gentleness
These qualities shape a life anchored in Christ rather than controlled by culture.
A Timely Invitation
As we prepare to enter a season focused on stewardship, this message invites us to reflect deeply—not only on our finances, but on our hearts, priorities, and pursuits.
Godliness with contentment is great gain.
And the life God has given us is worth taking hold of.