1 Timothy 6:6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Introduction

Contentment is one of the most beautiful words in the English language because it describes one of the happiest experiences of life. The Shorter Oxford Dictionary defines it as “having one’s desires bounded by what one has — desiring nothing more.” It speaks of being satisfied, pleased, gratified.

To be content is to live in a state of quiet happiness, free from the endless craving for more.

In our text, the Apostle Paul says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” The Greek word translated contentment carries the idea of self-sufficiency — not in the sense of proud independence, but of inner sufficiency, a calm satisfaction that is not dependent upon circumstances.

The truly contented man is at rest. He feels no need to grasp for more because his heart has found its portion in God.

This verse presents us with a treasure: a life of godliness joined with contentment brings true and lasting gain — not the gain of money or possessions, but of peace, joy, and eternal security.

This study will focus upon the problem of discontentment and how Christ meets of every man’s heart because godliness with contentment is great gain.

1. The Need for Contentment

The Nature of Humanity

At heart, mankind is a deeply restless creature. This unhappiness springs from several sources.

There are the uncertainties of life — health, employment, family, and future are all uncertain. Nothing in this world can be taken for granted.

And there are the certainties of life — trouble, sorrow, and death. Scripture says, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” And again, “It is appointed unto men once to die.”

But beneath all of this lies the real cause of discontent: man’s separation from God. The sinner is one who has been cut off from his Creator. Man was designed for fellowship with God, but when sin entered, that fellowship was broken.

A man apart from God is like a fish out of water — he may struggle for life, but he cannot be happy, for he is not in his element. That is why the Bible describes the sinner as dead, as a lost sheep wandering in the mountains, as a prodigal son wasting his substance in the far country, as one who walks in darkness and blindness.

So long as man remains separated from God, he cannot be content. His heart is restless until it finds rest in Him.

The Nature of the World

The second reason for our lack of contentment lies in the world around us. There is nothing in this life that can truly satisfy the soul.

Paul warns in verses 9 and 10 of this chapter: “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare… for the love of money is the root of all evil.”

The pursuit of wealth and pleasure never brings the happiness it promises. George Whitefield related this story about a dead man who was discovered with this note in his pocket:

“I have discovered during my life that piles of money do not bring happiness. I am taking my life because I can no longer endure the solitude and boredom. When I was an ordinary workman, I was happy. Now that I possess millions, I am infinitely sad and prefer death.”

Such is the deceitfulness of the human heart. We imagine that if only we had more — more money, more comfort, more possessions — then we would be happy. Yet the moment we achieve our ambition, we find it empty and begin reaching for more again.

Money can buy many things, but not the things that matter most.

Money will buy a bed, but not sleep.

Books, but not brains.

Food, but not appetite.

Finery, but not beauty.

A house, but not a home.

Medicine, but not health.

Luxuries, but not culture.

Amusement, but not happiness.

A crucifix, but not a Saviour.

A church pew, but not Heaven.

In a cemetery in England stand two graves side by side. One reads, “She died for want of things.” The other, “He died trying to give them to her.”

Such is the tragedy of life lived without God — always seeking, never satisfied.

2. The Path to Contentment

If man by nature is restless and the world cannot satisfy him, where then can true contentment be found?

Paul answers: “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Godliness Defined

What is godliness? It is having God Himself living within our hearts, shaping our desires, and giving us His character.

Why can God give us His nature? Because of Calvary.

As 1 Timothy 3:16 says, “Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh.”

Christ came to solve the relationship problem — to die for our sins, that we might be reconciled to God.

How does He give us that nature? By His Spirit, who comes to dwell within us, transforming us from the inside out.

Godliness, therefore, is not an external religion, but an internal reality — a life made new by the presence of God.

The Signs of Godliness

They know God — not merely knowing about Him, but knowing Him personally through Christ. They revere God — living in the awareness that He sees and knows all. They love God — serving Him not from duty or fear, but from grateful affection. They trust God — resting in His providence even when life is uncertain. They submit to God — believing that even in suffering, He has a purpose. They are grateful toward God — thankful for daily mercies and, above all, for salvation. They obey God — joyfully doing His will and keeping His commandments.

This is the path to contentment — a life surrendered to God, filled with His Spirit, and trusting His hand in all things.

When a man or woman becomes godly, the evidence of that new life will show itself.

When the heart is right with God, it ceases to crave what the world cannot give. The godly man can look at his circumstances — whether they be little or much — and say, “It is enough; the Lord is my portion.”

3. The Treasure in Contentment

Paul calls it “great gain.” What kind of gain is this?

It is the gain of peace — to be calm in trial, patient in poverty, humble in prosperity.

It is the gain of joy — to be happy in suffering, in sickness, in loss, because Christ is near.

It is the gain of freedom — no longer enslaved by the world’s endless wants, but resting in the sufficiency of God.

The Apostle gives us his own testimony in Philippians 4:

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Paul had discovered the secret: contentment is learned through fellowship with Christ.

When Christ is all, we can say with him, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

That is true riches — forgiven of sin, at peace with God, assured of Heaven, and possessing joy that no man can take away.

The world may envy the rich, but the richest man in the world is the one who has Christ for his Saviour, the Spirit for his Comforter, and Heaven for his home.

Conclusion

Let us then seek the contentment that flows from godliness.

It is not found in possessions, but in a Person — the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is not achieved by striving, but by surrender. But surrender is active – walking in the Spirit, crucifying the old man, confessing and repenting and serving.

It is not the result of having all we want, but of wanting only what God gives.