JUNE 13, 2024
“But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.” (I Timothy 4:7-9)
Timothy is instructed in verse 6 to prepare himself and the church to defend the truth against false teachings. Here, Paul offers practical advice on how to do this most effectively. Paul previously discussed those who condemned certain foods and marriage. These falsehoods are “profane” (irreverent) from the Greek term “bebēlous,” literally meaning “unholy or profane.” Paul also calls them“graōdeis,” which literally means “old womanish.” In the culture of that day, superstition and gossip were rampant. Today, we refer to a superstitious myth as an “old wives’ tale,” and this is a similar sense of what Paul is saying here. The claims about God that Timothy needs to avoid are unreliable hearsay, which does not honor God.
Timothy was not just advised but commanded to prioritize his efforts on personal godliness. The phrasing used here specifically emphasizes the role of teaching and instruction in this process. This training was not simply for knowledge, but rather for the active pursuit of a godly life. This echoes the words of James, when he sternly instructs, “…be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” (Jam. 1:22) Learning the ways of God are always meant to lead to action, and it is our responsibility to take this command seriously.
Paul then draws a powerful comparison between physical training for an athlete and spiritual training for godliness. He states that physical conditioning is of some importance, but nothing to compare to a godly life. For Example, Tom Brady, because of his drive, work ethic, and physical conditioning, was awarded with many accolades, rings, and trophies, but all such rewards are only temporal. The “crowns” gained in this life will lose their glory and luster, and at last, pass away completely, but not so our “crown of righteousness;” it will remain forever. Physical fitness only benefits us while we have this physical body. On the other hand, spiritual growth impacts eternity. Paul often speaks of the next life as the true focus of the believer, and it is this eternal perspective that should inspire and motivate you in your pursuit of godliness.
One would think that some people might truly believe that the words, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good.” are in the Bible. They are not, though it is true that we can’t ignore the earthly realities around us. However, a person with a godly perspective on the good things God has given us can be wholly heavenly-minded and still of much earthly good. Paul sees the promise of heaven as a reason to live a life of practical godliness today.
Believers are to strive for godliness because it impacts both this life and the next. The phrase “this is a faithful saying” is unique to the Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament. Paul used it five times. The phrase emphasizes a particular point or quote that Paul wants the reader to remember each time. We must fully accept that godliness or spiritual exercise is essential now and for eternity.
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