A characteristic of the sinner mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:3-5 is that he supposes “that gain is godliness.”
Some in the world of “Christendom” teach that living godly leads to earthly riches. This false teaching is not merely that God takes care of His children (cf. Ps. 37:25), that He helps the benevolent continue to give (cf. 2 Cor. 9:6-15), or that being a Christian discourages carelessness with money (Rom. 13:8a). Rather, the view is that Christianity is a blueprint for being wealthier than those around us. This is sometimes referred to as the “prosperity gospel.”
Such false teaching causes many to under-value the true riches available in Christ. Others are led to think that if they have more riches than someone else, it is a result of being more godly.
What is ironic about this misconception is that the One Christianity is founded upon was relatively poor at times as He walked on earth (cf. Luke 9:58). Many of His obedient followers were likewise poor (cf. 2 Cor. 11:27).Some of Christ’s disciples are materially rich, but not nearly all are. Nor is the Bible a pattern for gaining earthly riches.
After stating the error of those who suppose “that gain is godliness,” the inspired apostle “turned the tables” to show how “godliness” and “gain” are connected. 1 Timothy 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Those who are godly and content with however much or however little they have (cf. Phil. 4:11-12) gain the true riches (spiritual riches) available through Christ. These riches far exceed any earthly prosperity.
This point is brought out to two churches Jesus addressed in Revelation. Speaking to the church at Smyrna, Jesus said He knew their “poverty,” yet He said they were “rich” (Rev. 2:9). By contrast, the church at Laodicea said they were “rich, and increased with goods,” yet Jesus said they were “poor” (Rev. 3:17).
While those in Smyrna had little materially, they were strong spiritually. The opposite could be said of the lukewarm Laodiceans. If we live godly lives, we will receive blessings that cannot be measured with dollar signs…blessings that far outweigh anything the world can offer.
– Michael Hickox