1 Timothy 4:8-16
The value of
godliness.
The apostle Paul
writes in verse 9 of a “trustworthy saying” which he stated in verse 8:
“For physical
training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
Do you do
physical training? If not, you should! According to the science of health
education we should all be doing a minimum of 3 sessions per week of exercise
of at least 20-30 minutes each time. Why? Because it strengthens our heart and
promotes optimal blood flow around the organs of the body, including the brain.
It reduces our risks of diseases like diabetes, heart problems and high blood
pressure amongst many others. As Paul says, it is “of some value”.
“But godliness
has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the
life to come”
Paul links
physical training and godliness. They both require effort from us to attain
goals. Paul writes to Timothy in verse 10 “that is why we labour and strive,
because we have put our hope in the living God”.
They require
intention and action. Just talking about exercise or godliness is not going to
make us physically or spiritually in good shape. Godliness is being faithful to
our calling as a Christian. How do we take hold of godliness? In verse 12 Paul urges Timothy to set an
example of godliness, “set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct,
in love, in faith and in purity.” Godliness is the outward display of what we
believe. It is in our actions. If we claim to worship the God of love, is our
speech and conduct loving? Do we show
care and love to others? Do we serve others and minister into their lives in a
way that encourages them towards Jesus?
Paul commends
Timothy in verse 13 to continue in the public reading of the Scriptures, and to
keep preaching and teaching. He wants
Timothy to not neglect his gift.
Paul wants
Timothy, and by implication us too, to put our full efforts into exercising our
God-given gifts. He encourages Timothy to persevere. Why? Presumably because he
knew he would come up against discouragement and opposition, even from within
the church. In verse 12 Paul tells Timothy not to let anyone look down on him.
Paul rates Timothy highly. But despite the esteem of this great Apostle of our
faith, there were still people around who would discourage him. Many people
give up. We need to persevere in using our gifts to minister to others.
Much of godliness
is in our actions. How can you show you are a Christian in your actions today?
Suggested
prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to set our hearts and our minds on You. Help us to
wait on You, to be filled by Your Holy Spirit and for others to know we are
Christians. May we proclaim Your love, and by our actions demonstrate Christ’s
love through our lives. Amen.