But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

1 Timothy 6:1-10

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 1 Timothy 6:6-7

I pause my deductive study on prayer and fasting based on John Piper's book A Hunger for God - Desiring God through Fasting and Prayer.  This morning I examine 1 Timothy 6:1-10 as I prepare to lead small group discussion tomorrow at church. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method. 

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Since we already know (see Colossians 1:16-17) that God has created all things and He has placed all rulers and authorities over us - including those in the workplace (masters) - God seeks for us to honor our masters.  V1: For believers of today, the  exhortation is for us to honor our employers - to be the light in the world that Jesus created us to be.  Once our employers know as believers and we don't honor them - we fail to advance the gospel and the text today describes how our dishonoring actions may even cause others to revile the gospel.  V2: This urging to honor our employers is emphasized even more so when we have employers that are also believers because unity within the larger church and our among our brothers and sisters in Christ can more broadly reflect on the church and its mission either positively or negatively.       
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv3-5: Churches are of course not immune to sin so we are to be careful not to appoint leaders - in the case of the text today teachers are highlighted - that seek selfish gain vs glory of God.  This will ultimately cause friction and division in the church vs unity.  Instead, we are to seek leaders that seek glory of God in all things - 1 Corinthians 10:31. Leaders (and those in their care) are encouraged to find contentment in God - v6. Building on the theme of contentment, vv7-10 highlight how pursuit of wealth and possessions is a "snare" that will trap many into "ruin" and "destruction."  V10: We are not to love money and possession more than God.     
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid seeing the Word as a means to selfish gain - beware of false teaching such as the prosperity gospel.  Claim the promise that God satisfies and provides contentment.  Follow the example of Paul who was content even with little to his name other than his salvation.  Pursue Godliness for the glory of God alone. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for saving me, and for giving me contentment regardless of the circumstances.  Thank You! I am not deserving of how You save and bless me as my sin continues and it is great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

Mark 6:30-44

And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. Mark 6:41-44

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:30-44.  Excerpts from the commentary for the third (of three) division (vv37-44):

• The title of the second division per the commentary: "Like Jesus We Should Seek to Meet the Needs of Others." 
• "It is one thing to recognize a legitimate need. It is another to do something about it (James 2:14-17)."
• "Their problem [(the crowd's hunger)] was now clearly beyond their resources. If Jesus does not intervene, then it’s not going to happen. But He does intervene. He commands them to get organized, so in obedience they sit down by groups of fifties and hundreds (Exodus 18:21)." 
• "God loves to demonstrate His power and sufficiency in our lives. Often He allows problems to invade our lives that are far beyond our abilities or resources to handle. Why? He wants us to look to Him." 
• "Jesus now serves as the Host of a messianic banquet. The desolate place becomes a place of plenty. As Moses met Israel’s physical needs with manna and quail, a greater Moses, who is not only the “good shepherd” (John 10:11) but also the “bread of life” (John 6:35), will now feed His people with an abundant feast unlike any they have ever known."  
•  "[God's] provision is satisfying. (v42)."
•  "Where we see human problems, He sees and accomplishes divine possibilities. A little can become a lot with Jesus!"

Everything about Jesus is satisfying.  I am drawn to John Piper's definition of Christian Hedonism and how he says "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him." There is no higher pursuit in life than of Jesus - run after Him and seek Him - You WILL find Him when you seek Him with all of your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).  

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves, provides and who satisfies!  Thank You Jesus for the joy that You are and that You provide.  How great You are!  I am not deserving of how You save, bless and give such joy!  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.