Sermon Response Guide
PRIMARY SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6:2b-10, 17-19
2b Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Key Points
- The western culture of self-promotion, self-centeredness, and self-sufficiency we live in cultivates arrogance within us.
- Only Christ crucified and resurrected can cultivate humility within us.
- Arrogance is rooted in our desire for more.
- Signs of arrogance sprouting in our own lives include:
1) Shallow behavior
2) Argumentative nature
3) Greedy/selfish desires - Ways we cut arrogance off at the root include:
1) Avoid haughtiness: seek to acknowledge and elevate those on the margins in our own lives
2) Hope in God: trust God to provide us with all we need to live a whole life in Christ Jesus
3) Do good: be generous toward others in word, deed, prayer, and resources
4) Take hold of true life: deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus
Memory Verse
Ask God to write this word on your heart this week:
“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 ESV
Questions for Reflection
Take time to reflect and respond to these questions on your own in the presence of the Holy Spirit, or with trusted friends or family members:
1: What signs of arrogance do you see sprouting in your own life?
2: What do you think tends to cultivate arrogance within you, personally?
3: Review 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Which challenge to cut off the growth of arrogance in our lives most resonates with you from this passage?
4: What do you think Paul means when he writes, “godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Timothy 6:6)? How can you apply that verse to your own life today?
5: Read 2 Peter 1:3-7. Compare the vices in 1 Timothy 6:4-10 to the virtues in 2 Peter 1:3-7.
6: As you reflect on the Scriptures and today’s sermon, what is the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth (John 14:17) revealing to you?
7: What step will you take this week to respond in obedience to what God has shown you today?
Pray
Lord, thank you for loving us in the midst of our arrogance, and for loving us out of our arrogance. Teach us to find our sufficiency in you, to center our lives on you, and to promote you – and only you – all the days of our lives. We confess we are quick to hunger and thirst for more of what this world claims to offer. Father, forgive us. Instead, let us be quick to hunger and thirst for righteousness and so much more of you, Lord. All your promises are true, and your steadfast love endures forever.
