Godliness with contentment is great gain

Our chapter today demonstrates again the variety of circumstances of the believers in Ephesus as it opens with instructions to slaves and closes with admonitions to the rich. This is a suitable backdrop for the statement that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain’, and this is true whether in poverty or plenty. The apostle Paul states, ‘I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content’. Add to that ‘godliness’, and the result is ‘great gain’. It would seem that there were some who suggested that slaves in Ephesus, especially if they worked in a Christian household, were entitled to be set free and should not rest until that aim was achieved. Paul gives such short shrift and reminds us all that with food and raiment we should be content, whatever our lot, whether in employment or even in slavery. To be discontent with one’s lot may in turn encourage a love of money, which is described as being ‘the root of all evil’. This may cause the believer to fall into and be destroyed by this particular snare cunningly set by Satan.

The believer, instead of spending time hoping for things that are just not obtainable physically or materially, should flee such things, follow after righteousness, fight the good fight and firmly grasp the spiritual benefits of eternal life. This attitude will be seen by many witnesses, in the assembly and in the world, and is an imitation of the Lord’s own courage when, before Pontius Pilate, He witnessed a good confession.

We are further reminded that this approach should be maintained constantly until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ when, as King of kings and Lord of lords, He manifests His power and justice. At that day all wrongs will be righted and patience rewarded. The rich are to be reminded that what they have comes to them as a gift from the living God. Therefore, they should not be proud, nor reliant on these riches. Instead, they too should be content and endeavour wherever possible, and in various ways, to help the poor. In so doing they will lay up for themselves a good foundation against the time to come when they, and, of course, we, are reviewed at the judgement seat of Christ.