STUDIES IN I TIMOTHY- PART 27

              June 3, 2007

Intro: ch.6:6- contentment =sufficient in oneself-

used in the sense of satisfaction

I. Genuine contentment is an elusive experience.

Eccles. 2:10-11

 

II. Paul directs us first to godliness, then to

contentment.  See 4:7, 6:11

1) Godliness begins with the New Birth- John 3:3

2) With the new birth comes assurance of salvation.

3) Then, we may begin to grow in grace/knowledge

 

III. A few terms or words might help us to

understand what is meant by “contentment”.

1) Composure- healthy discipline of one’s emotions

2) Serenity- clear peace of mind not easily clouded by

stress- [synonym=stability]

3) Joy- inner happiness due to sense of divine presence

4) Equanimity- evenness of disposition so as to not be

easily disturbed – Isaiah 26:3

  Together, these help produce- contentment =inward

disposition of fulfillment to the degree that one is not

disturbed by a desire for something more or different.

 

IV.We might also speak of contentment as a

relaxed mental attitude (RMA).  Psa.37:1-7, Phil.4:6-10

1) Two competing viewpoints- human vp. & divine  vp.

2) We are commanded to operate under divine viewpoint.

3) Grace becomes basis of our relationship with others.

II Cor.5:16-17    - NO merit system!

4) Out of this RMA, we experience freedom that human

vp never offered- II Cor.3:17.

Human vp = worldliness, neg. emotions, introspective faults

 

V.Such relaxed mental attitude allows us liberty to

make wise decisions.

1) RMA allows us to focus clearly

2) With RMA, we negotiate  our problems from a position

of strength rather than a position of weakness.

3) Out of such strength comes more peace- Prov.4:18.