Lesson 6. Godliness. Day 1. I Timothy 6. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

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1 The lessons for each week are divided up into a five day study. Each day will cover a section of the scripture we are studying for this lesson. As you READ each section of scripture pray for God to REVEAL His truths to you so that you will be able to RESPOND to what God is teaching you and you will be able to apply His Word in your life. Do not be discouraged if you have difficulties with some of the questions. When we get together each week we will have a teaching time to help with your understanding of each verse Day 1 Godliness I Timothy 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. I Timothy 6:6 Lesson 6 I Timothy 6:1-2 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. 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. 1. Do you have an unbelieving boss who is difficult to work for? If so, what is this verse telling you? 2. Why does Paul give us this instruction? (vs. 1) (Read also Matthew 5:16) People will judge Christianity who God is and what the Bible teaches His doctrine based on how you conduct yourself as an employee. David Guzik 3. Read the following Scriptures. In your own words, summarize what these verses are saying about work? I Corinthians 10:31 Colossians 3:17 Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 1

2 Colossians 3:22-24 Ephesians 6:5-6 I Thessalonians 4:11-12 II Thessalonians 3:10 4. Why does Paul give additional instruction to those believers that have a believer for a boss? How might a believer be tempted to be disrespectful toward a believing employer more so than an unbelieving employer? 5. Are you leading people to Jesus by how you work? Perhaps you work for a non-christian employer and you answer to a non-believer. Furthermore, you find that as a Christian you would make different decisions or adopt a different leadership style. But you re not in charge, and no one asked for your opinions or suggestions. Therefore, as long as you have not been asked to do something illegal or immoral, you should do as you re told, and do it with a positive attitude so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against (6:1). Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll s NT Insights, pg. 125 When we treat an unfair boss with respect, we show that God s love enables us to transcend our normal human impulses of resentment and anger. Our Christ-like behavior toward an un-christlike boss is a powerful witness to the world. Ray C. Stedman, The Fight of Faith, pg. 142 When you go to work, you go with a mission and should go with a dedication and commitment that your life will count for Jesus Christ because of the way you work. David Hocking, Living in the Last Days, pg. 90 Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 2

3 Day 2 I Timothy 6:3-5 3) 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, 4) 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, 5) And constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 1. What three characteristics of a false teacher are found in vs. 3? False teachers advocate a different doctrine, a teaching not committed to Scripture. They add to Scripture, take away from it, misinterpret it, or deny it altogether. John MacArthur, The MacAuthur NT Commentary, pg What are the three personal character qualities of a false teacher listed in vs. 4? Godliness is conduct consistent with the character of Christ. Jack Hayford 3. According to verse 3, what does sound doctrine conform us to? How are you allowing sound doctrine to conform you in your life? 4. According to vs. 4-5, what fruits arise out of the leadership of a false teacher? How does this compare to Galatians 5:22-23? 5. What does it mean in vs. 5 when it says that some suppose that godliness is a means of gain? Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 3

4 Very commonly, Christianity is presented today on the basis of what you will gain by following Jesus: personal success and happiness, a stronger family, a more secure life. These things may be true to some degree, but we must never market the gospel as a product that will fix every life problem. When the gospel is marketed this way, it makes followers of Jesus who are completely unprepared for tough times. After all, it the Jesus Product isn t working, why not try another brand? Also, this sales approach takes the focus off Jesus Himself, and puts the focus on what He will give us. Many have their hearts set on the blessings, not the One who blesses us. David Guzik Day 3 I Timothy 6:6-10 6) But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7) For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8) If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 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. 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. 1. Are happiness and contentment the same? Why or why not? Contentment and godliness always go together. 2. Are you content in your life? Why or why not? How do vs. 7-8 speak to you? 3. Read Job 1:21. What was Job s perspective on possessions? 4. Read Philippians 4: What is Paul telling us in these verses? Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 4

5 5. Read Philippians 4:13. What is the source of Paul s contentment? God s desire is that we are content and that we don t covet. True wealth doesn t consist of possessions.true wealth is an attitude of contentment. Ray C. Stedman, The Fight of Faith, pg Read Matthew 6: According to these verses, what is the opposite of contentment? What does Jesus tell us to do in vs. 33? In some people s lives, gold has replaced God. 7. What things in our life tempt us to not be content? Are you willing to let go of those things? Gold is a precious commodity on earth; in heaven God uses it to pave the streets. David Guzik 8. Read I Corinthians 6:18, I Corinthians 10:14, and II Timothy 2:22. What instructive word for temptation is found in all three of these verses? 9. In your own words, explain why the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil? 10. Read Matthew 6:24. What is this verse saying to you? 11. Read Matthew 19: What did the rich young ruler give up because his possessions had the throne of his heart? Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 5

6 One of the great sicknesses of our hedonistic, materialistic age is the epidemic of restlessness. Those who don t know God are constantly looking for experiences and anesthetics to take away the pain of their empty lives. They either try to numb the pain with drugs and alcohol or distract themselves with thrills, sexual pleasure, gambling, or entertainment. Restless people continually seek escape from life. Contented people are busy enjoying life. Ray C. Stedman, The Fight of Faith, pg. 147 Day 4 I Timothy 6: ) But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12) Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13) I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14) That you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15) Which He will bring about at the proper time He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16) Who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 1. According to vs. 11, how did Paul identify Timothy? Do you think this applies to you as well? Why or why not? How would you describe your own personal identity? 2. What things are we to flee? (vs. 3-5, 9-10) 3. Read I John 2: What are these verses telling you about a person who loves the world? Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 6

7 4. What are some specific ways that you can flee from the temptation of loving money? 5. According to vs. 11, what are we supposed to pursue? Which one in this list do you need to pursue the most? 6. As we pursue, what two things does vs. 12 tell us we need to do? 7. What does it mean to fight? What does it mean to take hold? Faith is an endurance race that tests the runner s determination to keep going, despite the cry of every cell in his body to slacken or to quit. Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll s NT Insights, pg What area of your life is a battle this week? How are you fighting the good fight of faith in this area of your life? There s been a paradigm shift between my generation and the current generation. When I got saved, the question was, Lord, because of Your great sacrifice, what else can I give up for You (as an offering)? Now, everyone s asking, What can I get away with (and still be blessed)? They are asking the wrong question. Sandy MacIntosh On a future day declared perfect by the Father, the Son will return to earth. Not spiritually. Not metaphorically. Not in reincarnation. Not in dreams or visions. And not in the form of any other man or beast. He will return bodily, in person. When He does return, it will not be as the lowly lamb destined for sacrifice, but as the warring lion reclaiming His throne from evil. Charles R. Swindoll, Swindoll s NT Insights, pg. 135 Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 7

8 To guard = to stand as a watchman Day 5 I Timothy 6: ) 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. 18) Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 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. 20) O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called knowledge 21) Which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. 1. Since we have the privilege to live in the United States, I believe vs. 17 is speaking to almost all of us. What three instructions are we given in vs. 17? 2. What does vs. 17 tell us about the character of God? 3. How can we guard ourselves against greed? What four instructions are given to us in vs. 18? 4. Read Matthew 6: and Luke 12: Summarize what these verses are teaching you. Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 8

9 5. Have you ever visited a place in the U.S. that was below poverty level, or a third world country? If so, how did it change your view of money and possessions? 6. Read vs What does Paul instruct Timothy to do? 7. What has God entrusted to you in your life? How are you specifically guarding what He has entrusted to you? Have you ever thought of your checkbook as a diary? Like pictures, the checkbook entries speak a thousand words. If a stranger came into possession of your checkbook, what would he or she conclude about your values? About you stewardship? About how you honor God? Life Application Bible Commentary, pg. 240 Circle of Sisters in Christ Women s Ministry - Calvary Chapel Lexington, 1156 Barr Rd., Lexington, SC (803) Page 9