This week's Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 Timothy 6:3-19
Discussion Question: How can the pursuit of things foster a greater pursuit of things? How much is required for a person to become content in life?
Food for Thought:
In the book 'Where the Red Fern Grows,' Wilson Rawls includes a conversation between Grandpa and Billy about catching raccoons. Grandpa directs him to find a shiny object like a tin-can top and place it in a hole bored in a log. He was then to add nails spaced so a raccoon could reach the tin with his paw but couldn't remove it once he grasped the tin. The only way of escape was to release the piece of tin. The story continued with Billy following Grandpa's advice and eventually catching a raccoon too curious to let go of the shiny object.
The raccoon got what he wanted, but the price was steep. Rawls reminds us of the dangers of chasing all that glitters. We strive for one thing or another hoping that once we obtain that job, accolade, or degree, we can relax and be content. The problem is contentment can't be found because there is always another job or accolade desired, and another degree required. As a result, we end up obtaining the exact opposite of what we thought we would gain.
Paul reminded Timothy that true contentment can only be found through faith in God (1 Tim. 6:17). This kind of contentment is not based upon our circumstances or station in life. True contentment is found in the assurance of a relationship with God and investing in the eternal. We all pursue something for contentment and purpose. Paul challenged Timothy to pursue Someone, Christ, to find unending contentment.
Explore the Bible
Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the entire Bible in eight years. The eight-year plan and more information can be found at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible .
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
Dwayne McCrary is the Team Leader for Explore the Bible and can be followed on twitter @gdwayne.
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