Money Can’t Buy Me Love (Or Contentment)
Main Point: If we seek our contentment in the gospel, we will be rich no matter how wealthy
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. —1 Timothy 6:6-10
- The desire to be rich leads to temptation and a trap
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. —1 Timothy 6:17-19
- With riches comes risks and responsibilities
Takeaway: Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” —(Hebrews 13:5)
Discussion Questions
1.When you think about the “average” person in America, do you think of them as content with what they have, or eager to get more, or feeling that they have too much?
2.How do you fight against the desire to get rich, or to gain more riches in a culture that encourages both?
3.What is it about money that it can draw people away from a relationship with God?
4.What are some of the “traps and temptations” that you have witnessed people fall into when they had a desire to get rich?
5.How can having a lot of money cause people to become arrogant or proud? Do you know people who are wealthy and yet maintain a humble attitude? What do you notice about them?
6.How has your relationship with Jesus changed your attitude toward money/riches?
Table Discussion Question: How do you think your life would change if you suddenly came into a lot of money? How would you like to respond to that blessing?