Contentment and True Riches

This week we open the final chapter in 1 Timothy, which touches again on an important character trait Paul has referred to many times. We know that in Paul's time, and especially in Ephesus, there was a great social and legal divide concerning the haves and the have-nots. Paul wrote to the Philippians about being content in 4:11: "For I have learned that in whatever situation I am to be content." Paul speaks to Timothy about masters, slaves, and the love of money. It is often beneficial to distinguish between needs and wants, which in turn helps us avoid being anxious and discontented. In chasing only our wants we can often become a slave to our desires. We will also look at how joy plays an important part in being content and some trustworthy steps to help with acquiring true riches.