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15. Money Matters

1 Timothy 6:6-10; 17-19

“There are approximately 500 verses on prayer (in the Bible), fewer than 500 on faith, but more that 2,350 verses on how to handle money. Moreover, Jesus Christ said more about money than any other subject.” (Crown Ministries Small Group Financial Study, pg. 9)

Day One Study

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10. What does Paul say is truly “great gain,” according to 1 Timothy 6:6?

Scriptural Insight: Notice the irony in 1 Timothy 6:5 as Paul points out that these men who think that godliness is a means to financial gain are actually “robbed” or “deprived” of the truth themselves. The atmosphere surrounding those same men is described as being one of constant bickering or friction.

2. What is “contentment?” (Feel free to use a dictionary for help.)

3. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-8 again. Have you ever known anyone who was truly content (or came close to being content) with only the provisions listed in 6:8? Why do you think this is so rarely found in today’s culture?

4. Adorning Yourself: Has there ever been a time in your life when you were more content than you are now? Explain.

5. In 1 Timothy 6:7 Paul gives one reason for his statement in 6:6. What is this reason?

6. Read Philippians 4:11-13. What does Paul say about the issue of contentment here?

7. Adorning Yourself: Do you find yourself resentful of others and what they have, or discouraged by what you don’t have? Read the statement below (Life Application Bible Study Guide, pg. 122-123) and consider whether you want to be content and have done these things.

“To have contentment in Christ requires four decisions about events and possessions in our life. 1) Focus on what God has already allowed us to have. 2) Disregard what we do not have. 3) Refuse to covet what others may have. 4) Give thanks to God for each and all of His gifts.”

Day Two Study

8. Read 1 Timothy 6:9. To whom is this warning directed?

9. What dangers are listed here?

10. What is often the result of ignoring this warning in today’s world?

11. Read 1 Timothy 6:10.

·         What is a “root of all sorts of evil”?

·         According to the same verse, what two things often happen to people who eagerly seek after wealth?

·         Of the two, which do you think is worse? Why?

·         Which do you think people fear most? Why do you think so?

Focus on the Meaning: Paul warns strongly against “the love of money” (v. 10). He does not say that money itself is evil (nor does any other Scripture). Neither does he say that money is the fundamental root of evil, or that money lies at the root of every evil. Rather, the love of money (something inside people, not money itself) can be a root (but not the only root) of all kinds of evil but not of all evil. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary New Testament, p. 740)

12. Read the following verses in which God’s Word addresses the relationships of money and our hearts. Take time to think carefully about each verse then write a summary of what you’ve learned.

·         1 Chronicles 29:11,12—

·         Matthew 6:19-21; 24—

·         2 Corinthians 9:6-11—

Summary—

13. Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19. These verses give us an attitude adjustment and plan of action concerning money matters.

·         Who specifically are these instructions directed toward?

·         What are they not to do?

·         But instead, according to God’s plan, what specifically are we to do, and why are we to do these things?

14. According to 1 Timothy 6:17, why is putting our hope in God the only way to “richly” enjoy life?

15. Adorning Yourself: Make a list of a few things God has richly given you to enjoy.

16. Adorning Yourself: What kind of treasure do you think you’ve been storing up? What do you most want to accomplish with the money God has entrusted you with as you live out your life on earth?

Related Topics: Curriculum

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