praying effectively: Be Content (1Tim. 6:3-19)

(1 Timothy 6:3-19)  If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.

17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we do not love money (6:8-11)

- that we do not depend on our wealth (6:17)

- that we are not conceited (6:17)

- that we are content (6:6-10)

- that we depend on and fix our hope on God (6:17)

- that we store up our treasures in heaven (6:19)

- that we are rich in good works (6:18)

- that we are generous and ready to share (6:18)

- that we embrace holiness (6:12)

- that we pursue obedience (6:14)

- that we pursue righteousness and godliness (6:11)

- that we pursue faith (6:11)

- that we pursue love (6:11)

- that we pursue gentleness (6:11)

- that we pursue perseverance (6:11)

- that we fight the good fight of faith (6:12)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the hope and the inheritance that we have in You.  You are more than generous!  Help us to be content in all things, and trust in You to supply us with whatever we need.

Thank You that You cover us with Your righteousness at the moment of salvation.  May we humbly embrace You and Your word, and desire to share that with the world.  Amen.