The Prosperity Pitfalls
Sermon Notes
This Sunday, David Marvin walks us through 1 Timothy 6:3–10, where Paul continues to confront the false teachers in Ephesus and their corrupt way of living. In a world chasing more, Paul’s words—“godliness with contentment is great gain”—stand out as radically countercultural. Join us as we explore what true contentment looks like and how it shapes a life rooted in Christ. To help you reflect and apply this truth, we've provided a weekly reading plan with discussion questions. You can find it on the CityBridge App to follow along. Worship Set List →
Key Points
The Fruit of False Teachers (V. 3–5)
The Path to True Gain (V. 36–8)
The Dangerous Desire To Be Rich (V. 9–10)
Discussion Questions
Where are you tempted to equate God’s blessing with financial gain?
What does “godliness with contentment” look like in your season of life?
In what ways have you believed counterfeit versions of the gospel?
How do you cultivate contentment? What practices help you stay centered on Christ?
Transcript
Counterfeit Gospel, Real Warning
In 1 Timothy 6:3–10, Paul issues a serious challenge. There were false teachers in Ephesus promoting a message that following Jesus would make you rich. It was a first-century prosperity gospel—and Paul calls it out.
These teachers were arrogant, divisive, and greedy. They saw godliness as a way to get rich. And Paul says their message produces nothing but envy, friction, and spiritual confusion.
Here’s the truth: Jesus isn’t a means to an end. He is the end. The prize. The goal.
And when we follow Him for what He can give us instead of who He is, we miss the heart of the gospel.
Godliness With Contentment is Great Gain
While false teachers promise prosperity, Paul points to something deeper—something better.
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” That statement is radically countercultural. In a world chasing more, Paul invites us to say, “Enough.” Not because we’ve stopped dreaming, but because we’ve started trusting.
Paul reminds us: we came into this world with nothing, and we’ll leave with nothing. So why not focus on what actually lasts?
Godliness is becoming more like God. Contentment is being satisfied with what you have. Together, they lead to peace that stuff can’t touch.
What Are You Really Thirsty For?
Let’s get practical. Imagine you’ve just finished a long run. You’re parched. Would you rather have one bottle of clean, cold water or ten bottles of saltwater?
That’s what this world offers: saltwater disguised as satisfaction. More money. More stuff. More attention. And yet… we’re still thirsty.
Only Jesus satisfies. That’s why Paul says, “With food and clothing, we will be content.” Not because we’ve stopped needing things—but because we’ve started trusting the One who provides them.
The Dangerous Desire to Be Rich
Paul doesn’t just warn about greed—he explains what it does.
The desire to be rich is a trap. It promises peace but delivers ruin. It pulls you under. It distorts your values, your decisions, and your relationships. Paul calls it a “snare.” Like bait on a trap, it lures us in with the promise of freedom but ends with us stuck.
The love of money isn’t just risky—it’s spiritually dangerous. Paul says it leads people to wander from the faith and pierce themselves with grief. Not all at once. Step by step.
True Riches Are Found in Christ
So what’s the alternative? It’s not less ambition—it’s greater surrender. It’s asking, “Am I chasing wealth, or am I chasing Jesus?” Paul says the secret of contentment isn’t found in what you have. It’s found in who has you.
Christ is the only one who satisfies. And when you hold everything else loosely, you’re finally free to live generously, joyfully, and with purpose. Let’s not live like the goal is to have the most at the end. Let’s live like the goal is to give the most away.
Because true riches aren’t measured in what we keep—but in who we become.
