Warnings

I Tim. 4:7-8

...Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

The Negative

Paul warned Timothy about silly, irreverent myths, deceitful spirits, teachings of demons that forbid marriage and abstinence from certain foods. Since God created marriage and foods to be received with thanksgiving, the lesson is: everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. Paul wanted Timothy to teach these things to the brethren so that no one would depart from the faith. Avoid, be careful, and don't have anything to do with these teachings.

 

 

The Positive

Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

Instead, train yourself in godliness as it holds value in this life and for eternity. Even though physical exercise is good having value in this life, use it as a means to understand committment and dedication. Like one trains for a race, train for godliness. Make a concerted, regular effort. Choose what is eternal and invest your time in it. For to this end, believers should toil and strive. This should be the lifestyle of a believer, toiling and striving for godliness. Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Strain for godliness!

 

The Problem

Some might have considered Timothy's age a deterrent to effectiveness. I mean, what could a young man possibly know about life? But Paul encouraged Timothy saying, Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers and example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Because of Timothy's youth, he was to set the example of godliness by what he said and what he did, by his love, faith, and purity. Quite a challenge for a young man! But perhaps Paul knew that his youth and inexperience was really a protection for him. Perhaps he had not yet sown his wild oats and would have less of a struggle conquering foolish choices and sin patterns. Regardless, his life was to be an example of godliness.

 

The Solution

What would allow Timothy to be this example of godliness? What would allow him to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity? Paul said, First, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. This was not to be an occasional activity, but a constant commitment. He was to be devoted to this ministry of exhorting and teaching the Word. Secondly, he was not to neglect his gift given to him when the elders laid their hands on him. His gift was for a purpose, for the edifying and growth of the body and for their protection against false teaching. Thirdly, he was to immerse himself in these things so that all may see his progress. His complete devotion and constant dedication were to be visible for all to see his life. It would be as if his lifestyle was transparent. Finally, he was to watch himself and his teaching, guarding against anything false slipping in and polluting the word of God. Be sober-minded, be watchful, your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Paul's final word was Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. In essence, Paul was giving Timothy the path to godliness.

 

As I look at my life, I must ask myself some questions. Am it devoted to the Word, reading, teaching and exhorting? Am I neglecting the gift given me by the Spirit? Am I using it to build up the body? Am I immersed, thoroughly covered, in all these things? Am I persisting, staying the course and not giving up? Am I so committed to godliness that everything I say, do, or think demonstrates that goal as well?

 

Father,

I confess that I am not as immersed in Your word and Your ministry as I should be. Teach me how to grow in godliness. Open my eyes to the wrong things in my life and then give me Your strength to confess and repent of those things.

In Jesus name,

Amen