Becoming Effective Part 7

Scripture Reference

1 Timothy 6:6-12 KJV — “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 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. 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. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, patience, meekness.”

Introduction

Sermon title: “Becoming Effective Part 7” — Dr. Terry LeQuieu. In this final installment on “Becoming Effective,” Pastor LeQuieu brings us to 1 Timothy 6 and draws a practical, pastoral, and Scripture-saturated picture of the Christian life: defenders of the faith who work faithfully, avoid corruption, practice contentment, engage in spiritual combat, and preserve sound doctrine. This message speaks directly to church members, young adults entering the workplace, and every believer tempted by materialism or worldly pride. The KJV text teaches us what godliness with contentment looks like, why the love of money is poisonous, and how we should live as steadfast witnesses in an increasingly faithless age.

“We, as a child of God are. Are called to be defenders of the faith that we have been given. And we have got to make sure that we hold fast to the truths that we have been handed.”

Outline

Consideration: Christian Conduct at Work
1. Be honorable as employees
  Paul begins by instructing servants to count their masters worthy of all honor (1 Timothy 6:1). For the young adult in a job, this means punctuality, integrity, and a strong work ethic. Your life often serves as the only “Bible” unbelievers will read; represent Christ so God and His doctrine are not blasphemed.
2. Respect Christian employers
  When you work for a fellow believer, do not despise them but rather serve them faithfully (1 Timothy 6:2). Honor and loyalty in Christian workplaces sustain testimonies and ministry effectiveness.
Corruption: Beware False Teaching and Pride
1. False teachers and argumentative spirits
  Paul warns against those who refuse wholesome words and who are proud and argumentative (1 Timothy 6:3-4). Pride masquerades as knowledge; confidence must be distinct from arrogance.
2. Results of corruption
  Envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, and perverse disputings follow—these corrupt relationships and lead people away from truth (1 Timothy 6:4-5).
3. Separation required
  Paul’s remedy: “From such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:5). Christians must guard their fellowship and doctrine against those who would spread moral and doctrinal rot.
Contentment: Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain
1. Our stewardship and dependence
  We brought nothing into this world; what we have is gift and stewardship (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Contentment means trusting God, enjoying what He gives, and not being driven by covetousness.
2. Danger of coveting riches
  Pursuing riches invites temptation, snares, and destructive lusts (1 Timothy 6:9). The Bible condemns the love of money—not money itself (1 Timothy 6:10).
3. Practical contentment
  Eat, clothe yourself, enjoy God’s gifts in moderation (Ecclesiastes 5:18 cited by the preacher). Avoid comparison culture and “keeping up with the Joneses.”
Combat: The Christian Life Requires Active Fighting
1. Flee and follow
  “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Flee the love of money; follow godly virtues.
2. Fight the good fight
  We are commanded to “fight the good fight of faith” and lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12). Spiritual life is active—put on the armor of truth; pursue endurance in witness and service.
3. Perseverance under pressure
  Expect weariness; don’t grow weary in well doing. Ministry and faithful living take time, patience, and meekness toward others as you disciple them.
Confession and Calling: Live What You Profess
1. Confess Christ boldly
  Paul reminds Timothy of Christ’s example and Timothy’s public profession (1 Timothy 6:12-13). Your life must match your profession; be consistent at home, work, and church.
2. Keep His commandments
  Be “without spot and blameless” until Christ’s appearing (1 Timothy 6:14). This is a call to holy living and doctrinal faithfulness.
Commandments: How the Wealthy Should Live—and All of Us Steward Well
1. Avoid ungodly pride and trust in uncertain riches
  Even the wealthy are commanded not to be highminded but to trust in the living God (1 Timothy 6:17). Wealth is uncertain; trust in God who gives richly.
2. Be rich in good works
  Use resources for good—be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; lay up a good foundation for the future (1 Timothy 6:18-19). Spiritual investments yield eternal dividends.
Commitment: Guard the Faith and Avoid Babel
1. Keep that which is committed to thy trust
  Paul’s final charge: preserve doctrine, pass it on, and commit truth to faithful men (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:2). Steward truth for the next generation.
2. Avoid profane and vain babblings
  Turn away from foolish controversies and speculative heresies—these cause shipwreck of faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21).

Summary

1 Timothy 6 gives us a pastoral roadmap for becoming effective Christians: behave honorably in the world (especially at work), avoid the doctrines and behaviors that corrupt, cultivate godliness with contentment, actively fight the good fight of faith, live consistently with your confession, use whatever God has given you for good works, and guard the truth entrusted to you. The key balance is clear: enjoy God’s provision without being mastered by it. The love of money is not merely a bad habit—it is a spiritual danger that leads to destruction. Conversely, godliness combined with contentment is great gain—spiritual profit that lasts for eternity.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”

Application for the Week

These are concrete, practical steps you can take this week to live out 1 Timothy 6 in a way that strengthens your testimony and deepens your faith.

Audit your testimony at work
Write down three ways your behavior at work points to Christ and three specific improvements you can make (punctuality, honesty, helpfulness). Implement at least one improvement this week.
Practice contentment exercises
Each morning, thank God for three specific provisions (food, clothing, relationships). At night, journal one way you saw God provide that day. This trains gratitude and contentment.
Flee a specific temptation
Identify one worldly pursuit—coveting an item, unhealthy social media comparison, or workaholism—and take practical steps to remove or limit it (delete an app, set boundaries on work hours, set a spending pause for 30 days).
Follow after six virtues
Choose one of the six virtues Paul lists (righteousness, godliness, faith, charity, patience, meekness) and focus on it daily. Pray for it, read a short related passage, and take one small action that expresses it each day.
Invest in others—be rich in good works
Commit to one act of service: visit an elderly church member, help with church maintenance, invite a neighbor to a Bible study, or give sacrificially to missionary support. Record the action and reflect on how this “store” may bless you later.
Guard the faith—study and pass on truth
Pick one short doctrine or Bible passage (for example, 1 Timothy 6:6-10). Study it in the KJV for thirty minutes this week and prepare a 3–5 minute summary to share with someone (a friend, family member, or a small group). Begin a habit of discipling by sharing Scripture plainly.
Avoid vain babblings
When conversations drift into speculative or divisive theology (internet debates, idle questions that produce strife), practice leaving the conversation or redirecting it to Gospel-centered topics. Use your time for building up, not tearing down.

Pray these things through each day: ask God for humility to receive correction, for strength to flee temptation, for contentment in His provision, and for boldness to keep and share the faith entrusted to you. As Dr. LeQuieu reminded us, being effective is not only a set of skills—it’s a heart and life shaped by Scripture.