Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, April 16, 2000, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. For more outlines, including a zipped file of all of my 1999 sermon outlines, click on the link at the bottom of this note, and go to our website:

GAINS? OR GREAT GAINS?

By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 6:1-11

Text: 1 Timothy 6:6

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Introduction: If there is any message that Christians in America need, it is this one. If there is any message that new converts in America need, it is this one. I think that more Christians in America get off track because of their problem about money than for any other reason. More new converts start well and then “poop out” because of their problem with money than any other reason.

America is a success-oriented society. Success is often measured by the amount of money an individual, a business, or a church takes in. Many Christians think that they are not right with God unless they are financially wealthy. Even churches are thought to be a success if they do well financially, building large buildings, decorated with expensive furniture. These people suppose, as verse five states, that “gain is godliness.” However, there is a greater gain — godliness with contentment (verse 6), whether the believer is in prosperity or poverty.

Which would you rather have? Gains? or great gains? Money is not a problem in itself, but the love of money is a problem. Godliness is to be preferred to making more money. Similarly, most of you people need more exercise. I was talking to a man at the gym this week who was pumping along on his treadmill. He was trying to keep in shape at the ripe old age of 81. That’s good. However, the Bible says

1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Exercise is good, but it only profits for a short time. Money is a tool, but it is not the end, only the means for serving God.

Compared to many nations, America is RICH. Therefore, although nearly all of you members of our congregation are not thought of as being rich in today’s society, yet, I address you as to the rich in this world, because you ARE.

I. THE DANGER OF RICHES

1 Timothy 6:9-10 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.

A. The desire for them – “they that will be rich”

B. The distraction by them – “fall into temptation and a snare”

C. The dependency upon them 1. Jesus warned about those who TRUSTED in their riches 2. Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

II. THE DESIRE FOR RICHES

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

A. The great priority Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

B. The great peace 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 2. Listen to the commandment of the only Baptist in the Bible: Luke 3:14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

C. The great promise Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 2. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

III. THE DEMAND OF OUR REDEEMER

1 Timothy 6:13-16 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; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

A. Notice the duty

V. 13 – “charge”
V. 14 – “commandment”

B. Notice the duration

V. 14 – “until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ”

C. Notice the display

V. 15 – “he shall shew”
Jesus will show what is true success.
Jesus will show how godliness is great gain.
Jesus will reveal Himself, and we will realize “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.”

IV. THE DIRECTIONS TO THE RICH

1 Timothy 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

A. Depend on God – V. 17

B. Do good – V. 18

C. Donate to God’s work – V. 18

D. Desire treasures in heaven – V. 19

When you give up possessions for Christ on earth, you are laying up treasures in heaven.
When you serve the Lord faithfully on earth, you are laying up treasures in heaven.
When you give your tithes and offerings faithfully and freely on earth, you are laying up treasures in heaven.