Great Gain To Attain by Brother Duke Hansen

         Often times, God will allow life to turn to overbearing, oppressive, and potentially disastrous for us as believers. When this occurs, our flesh will cry out in complaint and wonder if we have been forgotten or forsaken by God. You need to realize is that these times are often to get our 5 senses focused on the direction God wants to give you.

        This morning, we will be reading from the book of 1 Timothy chapter 6. We will be reading starting at verse 1.

        Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

        2 And they that have believing masters, let them nor despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them serivce, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

        3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

        4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,

        5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

        6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

        7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

        8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

        9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

       10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

        11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

        12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a goos profession before many witnesses.

        13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

        14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

        15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

        There's a lot to go through here. First, substitute faith for doubt. Paul is writing to Timothy in this chapter not about the outside world but the inside of church. Gain in the world through properties or money is not godliness. There are many theologies who will profess them as so, but it isn't the case. If your worldly gain is struggle, hurt, affected, but your spirit is content, that's spiritual gain. Emotion tied to the loss is you flesh still in charge of your walk.

        Let's go to the book of Philippians chapter 4. We will read verse 11 to 13.

        11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

        12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

        13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthenth me.

        Paul is expressing here in this letter his learned ability to being content. The pride of flesh is such a deceiver. Let's go back to verse 6.

        6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

        Attributes of godliness. Let's go over some of them. One is self- control. How can I find contentment in disappointment? The bible teaches to combat the flesh by being thankful and thing on good things. Disappointment will be here, frustrations will arrive. It isn't God's job to take you to happiness or contentment. A couple more attributes of godliness are nurturing relationships and patience. 

        Everyone of us who are sons and daughters of God, who take on the yoke, living close to the scriptures should strive for contentment. You have to defy your own base will and mindset to allow God to work in your life.

        Think on God's precision in your life during those periods of turmoil and distress. If we concentrate on the negative and the various emotional parts, that is what you are purposing in your life.

        Patience and contentment are two subjects that the church actively avoids both from teaching and from the pulpit. What perspective do you want to attain this morning? The key to life is to slow down your mind and your flesh. Don't move so quickly. Quick responses lead to error and mistakes.

        7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

        This verse highlights our how our flesh is attached to things here in the world. If you set aside your emotional response and handle a situation, there's still pain and disappointment. When you think about the snowball effect when things go south, you can get in your emotions or you can take comfort, be content and patient.

        Paul is giving Timothy some perspective in verse 7. Forgiveness isn't an emotion, it's learned behavior. The only way to win this fight of life is patience. There's not ground gained without struggle.