The Apostle Paul delivered a definitive statement on true spiritual prosperity in his first letter to Timothy: "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV).
This message provides the faithful today with a critical definition of genuine wealth, directly contrasting it with worldly ambition and materialistic pursuits.
Defining the Components
To fully grasp this statement, we must first establish the biblical meaning of its two core terms: Godliness and Contentment.
1. Godliness
Godliness (Greek: eusebeia) refers to a practical demonstration of piety and reverent devotion. It is characterized by:
- Holiness: A genuine reflection of God's moral qualities.
- Devotion: Fervent commitment to God.
- Righteous Conduct: Ethical actions in one's relationships with others.
In genuine faith, holiness and devotion, rather than wealth, define godliness. The godly individual's life reflects the nature and character of God.
2. Contentment
Contentment (Greek: autarkeia) literally means "self-sufficiency," but in this biblical context, it signifies a state of inner satisfaction and perfect resignation to one's present circumstances.
- It implies a person is happy and satisfied with what they currently possess or lack, independent of external factors.
- It is an internal state of being sustained by Christ, not by material abundance.
Godliness is gainful only when coupled with contentment. Without contentment, godliness often deteriorates into a pursuit of financial or worldly wealth, resulting in ungodly actions.
The Doctrine of True Gain vs. False Gain
Paul's instruction to Timothy was set against the backdrop of dangerous false teaching emerging in the early church. His message provides a framework for genuine leadership and conduct.
A. The Doctrine of Godliness (True Gain)
Paul began by charging Timothy to teach correct conduct, which included honoring all people, regardless of their social standing or belief system, reflecting Christ's sacrifice for the whole world:
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed." (1 Timothy 6:1, KJV)
"And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service... These things teach and exhort." (1 Timothy 6:2, KJV)
The doctrine of godliness necessitates righteous and honorable conduct toward humanity, demonstrating the transformed life of a believer.
B. The Perversion of Gain (False Doctrine)
In contrast, Paul detailed the character of those who taught a perverted doctrine:
"If any man teach otherwise... he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (1 Timothy 6:3-5, KJV)
Paul's warning is explicit: there were leaders and teachers who treated service to God and their positions of influence as a means to financial profit. They were "destitute of the truth," believing that material gain was the very evidence of godliness.
Paul's message is a clear charge to withdraw from those who promote worldliness and materialism in place of true devotion.
The Great Gain: Internal Riches
The corrected truth is then re-stated: "But godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6).
The Inevitability of Need
Paul emphasizes the temporal nature of material wealth and the eternal stability of contentment:
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:7-8, KJV)
Since we arrive empty-handed and will leave the same way, true gain must be something we possess internally—an inner composure that transcends circumstance.
The Example of Paul
The Apostle Paul exemplified this contented life. While acknowledging that wealth and prosperity are not inherently sinful, he showed that they must never be the source of security:
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." (Philippians 4:11, KJV)
Paul's contentment was not passive resignation but an active, Christ-sustained ability to thrive in any circumstance:
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound... I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:12-13, KJV)
Conclusion
Gain is not godliness, but godliness with contentment is great gain.
The faithful today are called to pursue the true, great gain; the spiritual character that is formed and sustained by Christ, and to reject the temptation to be "good for gain's sake."
The outcome of genuine godliness is a life marked by spiritual virtues:
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another..." (Colossians 3:12-13, KJV)
This spiritual stability, nurtured through Christ, allows the believer to account that the patience of the Lord is their salvation, a far greater, eternal gain than any temporary riches.
