Sunday, September 13, 2020

* Godliness with contentment is great gain.


Joan Boney ... apostle and prophet 
of Jesus Christ by the will of God 
according to Ephesians 4:11-12.


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II Timothy 3

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.


***

This past week, I tried to watch the first NFL football game of the season.  But I found the announcers to be so consumed with a love of money that I had to mute the sound on the TV.

In this world, people are often evaluated by money.  If they make more money than their peers, they are considered worth more, so the striving for money is prevalent among many people.

This is extremely foolish and deadly.

I Timothy 6

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

(Just walk away from them ... or turn the sound off the TV when they speak of their love of money and their respect for money and their admiration for money.  It is deadly and foolish.)

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 good profession before many witnesses.


***

We, who are of God, choose to go in a way opposite to the way of this world.

Making ourselves of no reputation.

Choosing less rather than more.

Constructing our lives on the Word of God and seeing that which is invisible as did the godly people of old.

Hebrews 11

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing HIM who is invisible.

***

We choose a way of life which is different from this world, more simple.  We build our lives on the Word from God which is our anchor and strength and assurance.  And we turn from those who go opposite ways.

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