January 11, 2026Pastor Brad Barrett
Godliness and Generosity—1 Timothy 6:3-19
Historically here at Stonebrook, for many years each January we have had a sermon or two or three on topics related to money.Giving.Stewardship.Worry.Seeking first God’s kingdom.Faith.Generosity.
This year, the way we set up our sermon calendar, the best fit was just one week on this important topic that Jesus (and the rest of the New Testament) spent much time speaking of.
Open your Bibles to 1 Timothy 6.The Apostle Paul has something to say about money.
This morning our passage will zoom in on the topic of generosity and our view toward money, particularly as it fits under an umbrella called “godliness.”
1 Timothy 6 (CSB)
Vs. 3-5 False Teachers
Vs. 3-5
3 If anyone teaches false doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness,
4 he is conceited and understands nothing, but has an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions,
5 and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain.
We begin with a topic that is common to so much of the NT:false teachers. They essentially teach untrue things about God, mankind, and eternal life—things that are so untrue that they mislead people and keep them from a true relationship with the living God and from eternal life.So the stakes are very high.
Here Paul gets very specific about the problem:
- They teach what is contrary to the very words of Jesus.
- They teach against godliness.
I want to focus on that word “godliness” this morning.It’s a significant theme of Paul’s in this letter, and he uses it 4 times just in our passage we are reading.
Godliness means a devoutness towards God.An older term is piety towards God.We commonly use that term negatively today, using it to refer to someone we think is an insincere, religious fake.“Oh, he is so pious.”But actually it’s a beautiful term.
Here’s a definition:Godliness is a deep devotion to God in heart, mind, and deed.
It is not mere words with no outward fruit in character and conduct.Nor is it mere outward works and religious performance with no inward love for and fear of God.Godliness is an increasingly rich walk with God that affects our entire being, all we think, say, and do.
But when we examine the fruit of these false teachers, we see UN-godliness.We read (vs. 4) they are “conceited and understand nothing.” They might be great orators.They are way too interested in stirring up arguments and fights over words.The fruit from their lives is envy, quarreling, slander, and more.But they understand nothing.Basically, they are spiritually stupid, like a brute beast.Vs. 5, their minds are depraved.Corrupted.
And he caps it off with this:The goal of these false teachers is about money.They want to get rich from their philosophies and viewpoints and their so-called godliness.Wealth is of greater interest than truth.A lust for more and more motivates them more than a pursuit of godliness and a richer walk with Jesus.
Back in chapter 5 here in 1 Timothy, Paul is quite clear that a worker of the true gospel deserves a wage.He says, “Don’t muzzle the ox while it’s treading the grain.”In other words, Don’t starve the worker.But there he’s talking about a normal wage to provide food on the table and a roof over the head.
Here in chapter 6, the issue is much different.First of all, these teachers are speaking false, untrue, destructive things.Second, they want to be rich.They are in it for the money.They are NOT godly at all.
We are beginning to see here as we see elsewhere in Scripture that our view of money is far, far deeper than intellectual understanding.Even having a PhD in Economics or Accounting doesn’t ensure that we will respond to money and possessions with a heavenly mindset.
God’s Word is clear:our handling of money is a deeply spiritual activity.
Vs. 6-8 Godliness with Contentment
Paul now tells us more:
Vs. 6-8
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.
8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.
Vs. 6 is beautiful:Godliness combined with contentment?That is great gain.That is true riches.Heavenly wealth.
Contentment is so beautiful.It means, “I am at peace with what I have.I have enough.”
How many of us would say we are content?Would we say we are at peace with our income and possessions?Are we calm about our bank and investment accounts?Are we thankful for what we DO have instead of longing and daydreaming for more and more?
Vs. 7 reminds me of Job, the shocking story of a man who lost everything.After all he cherished was ripped away from him, even his 10 children, he said, “Naked I came from the womb, and naked I will return.” (Job 1:21).And then he worshiped the Lord.
Then in vs. 8 Paul speaks in words that might be foreign to us.“If all I have is just basic food and clothing, I am content.I can say I have enough.”That seems so un-American.We strive for more.For financial prosperity.For newer and better.For larger and larger investment accounts.For security. But one of the more godly Christians in 2000 years says, “I’m content….I’m at peace… I have enough… if I simply have food on the table and clothes on my back.”
It’s shocking.But the Lord calls us to that kind of heart.Contentment is a call from heaven.
This is godliness.This is true riches.
Once again we see that our handling of money is a deeply spiritual activity.
Vs. 9-10 Longing for Riches
Vs. 9-10
9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
It’s hard to imagine more stark words.Paul doesn’t condemn the rich.He doesn’t criticize those who already have lots of money.He speaks against anyone who simply yearns to be rich.Who longs for more.Who can’t seem to say, “Look, I have enough.Even more than enough.”Who doesn’t know contentment.Who can’t even spell contentment.
I might say that this yearning is what fuels the gambling and lottery industries today. It’s a desire for more.
The Lord is saying here that anyone—even a poor person—who longs for more and more, who loves wealth, is headed for great trouble.Extraordinary difficulties.He says they will succumb to this violent chain reaction:Temptation, a trap, and many—MANY-- foolish and harmful desires.The end result is ruin and destruction.
We may think that Paul is being overly dramatic, but this is heaven-inspired truth.
Do you want an example from the Scriptures?Luke 16:13-14 tells us that the Pharisees loved money.How did their lives turn out?Jesus rebuked them by saying in Matthew 15:8 for their LACK of godliness, saying, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Vs. 11-12 Flee and Pursue
So in light of this serious warning against DIS-contentment and yearning for riches, what does Paul tell us to do?
Vs. 11-12
11 But you, man of God, flee from these things, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.
12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
He speaks to Timothy, a man of God.I love a title like that.“Man of God.”“Woman of God.”Timothy isn’t a false teacher.He’s a devout man with a rich walk with Jesus.He teaches the truth about Jesus and godliness.
And here Paul reveals a common NT principle for overcoming sin and walking in holiness and godliness.Some have called it “The Replacement Principle.”We replace the evil with good by running from the one and running towards the other.
What has Paul already addressed? Ungodly words and deeds.Discontentment.Desiring to be rich.Loving money.He says, “RUN AWAY from such things.”
And then we need to PURSUE (run towards) righteous living.Towards godliness, this deep devotion to the Lord.Run towards faith, i.e., a great trust in the Lord.Run towards loving God and others.
I remember a story a pastor told many years ago.When he was a young man, he was hitchhiking, and a woman picked him up in her car.But shortly after that, she was making sexual advances towards him.He told her to stop the car.He opened the door, jumped out, and literally ran away.He knew that if he stayed and didn’t run, he would fall into sin.
If we are thirsting for riches and walking in discontentment over what we have or don’t have, we need to to slam on the brakes, jump out of the car, and RUN.
And at the same time we need to PURSE what is good.RUN TOWARDS righteousness.Towards contentment.To seek peace with what God has provided.To give thanks to God for what we do have.To RUN after generosity and giving away money and possessions instead of longing for more.
Vs. 12 is a beautiful summary of the Christian life.Keep walking by faith in this spiritual war of life.For life on this earth following Jesus is like a war.And we need to stay in the fight.Don’t quit.Don’t give up on Jesus.Keep clinging to him.Continue running away from sin.It ruins our lives.Continue pursuing what is good and right and holy.It brings blessing to our souls.
The trials we encounter can be intense.But he says, “Take hold of”—don’t let go of—what you believe.Of what you have confessed as true before God and witnesses.(Perhaps he is referring to Timothy’s baptism.)
Vs. 13-14 Keep This Command
Vs. 13-14
13 In the presence of God, who gives life to all, and of Christ Jesus, who gave a good confession before Pontius Pilate, I charge you
14 to keep this command without fault or failure until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It’s hard to imagine a more solemn declaration:“In the presence of our God—the Giver of life itself—and in the presence of Jesus Christ—I charge you, I command you to hold on to Jesus until he returns.
Don’t quit in the good fight of faith.Don’t give up.Don’t succumb to ungodly beliefs and practices.Don’t yield to a thirst for earthly riches that will lead to temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires that will ruin your life (vs. 9).
Vs. 15-16 The King of kings
Vs. 15-16
15 God will bring this about in his own time.He is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords,
16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see, to him be honor and eternal power. Amen.
Here God promises He will send his Son back to the earth again in his own time.At the best time. Be assured, it will happen.
And then Paul worships.He worships the God who is the only Sovereign, the Almighty Ruler of heaven and earth. The King of all kings.The Lord of all lords.The President of all presidents.There is no one like him.Immortal.Dwelling in blazing glory that is unapproachable, a glory so bright that we got too close, we would fry like a strip of bacon in a frying pan.
To this God, how do we respond?We worship, declaring him to be worthy of all honor and everlasting power.And how else can we conclude except by saying, “Amen!”
Vs. 17-19 Those Who Are Rich
What more could Paul say after this beautiful summary of the Christian life and worship of our God?
Well, he tells us.What’s fascinating to me is that Paul now, after these words of glorious worship, goes back to talking about money.And now he focuses on those who already have lots of money.The wealthy.
Vs. 17-19
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.
18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,
19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
Again we see that our handling of money is a deeply spiritual activity.
After speaking to everyone in vs. 6-10 about contentment and loving money, now he zeroes in on those who are rich in this life.In this world.
At this point, let me pause.I suspect few of us in this room consider ourselves rich.Most of us would say we’re economically in the middle class or lower class.But I wonder if we say that without considering the economic level of most people in the world?If we were to know the billions of people in this world who have almost nothing, we might be forced to say, “We are rich!”So perhaps Paul’s words here relate more directly to us than we have thought.
So what does he say to the rich? He doesn’t tell them that their wealth is bad or evil.In fact, he says, “God gives us material things to enjoy.”Does that surprise us?
Then he says to the rich, “Don’t be arrogant.”Don’t think you’re better than others.That you’re smarter, wiser, more righteous.NO!Don’t go there.
And, “Don’t put your hope in your piles of cash and investments. In your properties and possessions.”Why not?It’s uncertain.It’s fleeting.It’s temporary.
Instead, do what?Do what is good.Do all sorts of things that are good.
Don’t concern yourself with being rich with cash and property and investments.Instead, be rich in good works.Be generous.Share with others.
As you do this, your treasure will be in heaven.Here Paul seems to refer back to Jesus’s words in Matthew 6:21.Instead of storing up treasure on earth, store it up in heaven.“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Our hearts follow our treasures.If we treasure earthly things, our hearts will remain here.If we treasure heavenly things, our hearts will be drawn upward into heaven.
This might be a good check for us.If we feel like our minds and hearts are caught up with all the concerns and burdens in this life, we should pray, “Lord, am I too focused on earthly treasures?”
So What Now?
So what do we do now?Paul has cautioned us about loving money.Longing for riches.He says it will RUIN our lives.
He has promised that godliness is beautiful, and when it’s combined with contentment….that is great gain.True riches.He has reminded how temporary our earthly treasures are.
He commanded us to FLEE what is evil and harmful and to RUN TOWARDS what is good and godly and heavenly.He worshiped the Great Sovereign God.The King of kings and Lord of lords.
Then he speaks again the topic of money, particularly pointing the rich to be generous, humble.And to be rich in good works as we minister to others.
It’s glorious, heavenly calling.
So what do we do now?How can we put this into practice?
Grow in Godliness
So let us start by seeking to grow in godliness.
Admittedly, this goal is really the goal of the Christian life, to grow in a deep devotion to the Lord.
But it’s worth repeating here, considering how much emphasis Paul puts on it in our passage.
One of our higher goals ought to be that inwardly our hearts would be drawn into greater intimacy and worship with our God. And that this deeper walk with Jesus that would manifest itself in our actions.
One practical way to begin is to learn how to pray to God and know him better by reading and journaling in the Psalms.Use the Psalms to give you vocabulary to pray, worship, and to know him better.
Flee and Pursue.
Paul connects godliness to our attitudes and actions about money.In this area of money, flee what is evil and harmful.And run after what is good and holy.
Flee discontentment.Pursue thankfulness.
Flee the love of money.Pursue generosity.Generosity KILLS greed and a thirst for more.
Flee selfishness.Pursue serving others.
Flee anxiety over money.Pursue remembering the Father’s love and provision (Matthew 6:19-34).
One place to start is with generosity.Start with being a giver.Grow in having a heart of generosity.
- If you aren’t giving anything, start with something.Just start.
- If you are giving something, but only sporadically, start with consistency.Monthly.
- If consistent but only small, consider being more generous.
- Consider tithing.Almost exactly a year ago (January 11, 2025), we had a sermon about tithing.Listen to that.Let the Scriptures inform your understanding.
Being generous with money will release our tight hold on wealth “which is so uncertain.”And it opens our hands to the joy of our God, who is himself the Greatest Giver.” After all, out of love, God gave his only Son, that whoever would believe on him will have never-ending life (John 3:16).
Conclusion
To conclude, like Paul says, Let us fight the good fight of faith.We are in a spiritual war, battling demonic forces and the lures of our own flesh.But we can win.We will win.For we are on the side of the Great Sovereign, the King of kings.He alone is immortal.He dwells in blazing glory and has no part in darkness and evil.May we look to him.May we live for his honor.May we walk in his power.
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