Bible Study
Don’t just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: 1 Timothy 6:2a–19; John 10:17–18.
Sermon Outline
- A charge against those who are false (vv.2a–5)
- They are heterodox
- They are divisive
- They are greedy
- A charge to those are poor (vv.6–10)
- To the contented poor
- To the covetous poor
- A charge to the one who is true (vv.11–16)
- How we live
- What we believe
- Whom we enjoy
- A charge to the one who wants more (vv.17–19)
- Two dangers of wealth
- Two obligations of wealth
Application Questions
- What characteristics of the false teachers does Paul emphasize here?
- Have you experienced the “commercializing” of religion?
- What is the prosperity gospel heresy? How do you know it when you see it?
- Would you describe yourself as content? How would you do (or how are you doing) with having just the food, clothing, and shelter you need?
- What’s the difference between contending for the faith and a craving for contention?
- What does Paul mean by the phrase “eternal life”? What does it mean to take hold of it?
- Do you think of yourself as wealthy? Which of the dangers or obligations of wealth most struck you? How might this apply to your daily life?
Select Resources Consulted
- John Stott, The Message of 1 Timothy, Titus (The Bible Speaks Today, IVP 1996)
- Thomas Traherne, Centuries of Meditations, “The First Century” (cracking commentary on Christian contentment!)
- Kate Bowler, Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel (OUP, 2018)
- Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and Eternity: A Comprehensive Guide to What the Bible Says about Financial Stewardship, Generosity, Materialism, Retirement, Financial Planning, Gambling, Debt, and More (Tyndale House, 2021)
- JND Kelly, A Commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (Harper & Row, 1963)
You can listen to the sermon by using the player below or via the St Andrew’s Sermon Podcast.
Questions?
Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (SFornecker@StAndrews.Church).