Daily Bread
1 Timothy 4
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For 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.
Observation:
We all know how to train to run a race. We run a certain amount of miles to prepare each week. We vary the intensity. We try to eat better and watch the amount of alcohol and caffeine intake. Or, we know if we want to lose weight how many calories we need to consume and how much exercise will burn the right amount of calories or fat to get to our optimal level. And if we do these things we are likely to see good results.
But Paul counsels Timothy to also train himself to be godly. Paul recognizes the value of physical training, but sees a much higher value in spiritual training. Importantly as we train or learn to be godly we see the benefits both now and in the life to come.
As we read in the first few verses this doesn’t mean a legalism that can’t enjoy the things God has given us like food and relationships. To deny yourself of everything sometimes can be very unhealthy and often can lead to pride and a haughty spirit. But what Paul is saying is that although it is God who changes us to become godly, we have to submit ourselves to the disciplines necessary to access this grace in Christ.
Application:
If you are reading God’s Word on a daily basis, that is one of the most basic disciplines Jesus has given us to train ourselves to become more godly. Although Timothy was a young man, Paul told him to not only do these things but teach others. But we can’t teach others if we are not doing it ourselves.
It is out of our experience of transformation that we are able to lead and train others. The church if you like is like a spiritual “boot camp”. Church just isn’t a place to come and feel good about ourselves, but also a place where we are equipped to become the men and women God has called us to be.
Where does your training plan need an adjustment? Do you have a training partner(s)? When I ran marathons, I never did it alone. It was too hard and too discouraging to try and do it myself. We need others to pick us up when we are down and encourage us to get back in the game. It is also good to have a coach to map out a workout plan. Do you have a spiritual mentor? Someone who is one step ahead of you who you want to be like? All Christians should look like a sheep from the front and a shepherd from behind. Meaning who are you following, and who is following you, even if that is your own kids!
Prayer: God help us to get in shape. May we use the tools that Jesus found necessary to walk the life of faith. Send companions our way that we may run the race well and finish strong and take others with us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
7Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8For 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.
Observation:
We all know how to train to run a race. We run a certain amount of miles to prepare each week. We vary the intensity. We try to eat better and watch the amount of alcohol and caffeine intake. Or, we know if we want to lose weight how many calories we need to consume and how much exercise will burn the right amount of calories or fat to get to our optimal level. And if we do these things we are likely to see good results.
But Paul counsels Timothy to also train himself to be godly. Paul recognizes the value of physical training, but sees a much higher value in spiritual training. Importantly as we train or learn to be godly we see the benefits both now and in the life to come.
As we read in the first few verses this doesn’t mean a legalism that can’t enjoy the things God has given us like food and relationships. To deny yourself of everything sometimes can be very unhealthy and often can lead to pride and a haughty spirit. But what Paul is saying is that although it is God who changes us to become godly, we have to submit ourselves to the disciplines necessary to access this grace in Christ.
Application:
If you are reading God’s Word on a daily basis, that is one of the most basic disciplines Jesus has given us to train ourselves to become more godly. Although Timothy was a young man, Paul told him to not only do these things but teach others. But we can’t teach others if we are not doing it ourselves.
It is out of our experience of transformation that we are able to lead and train others. The church if you like is like a spiritual “boot camp”. Church just isn’t a place to come and feel good about ourselves, but also a place where we are equipped to become the men and women God has called us to be.
Where does your training plan need an adjustment? Do you have a training partner(s)? When I ran marathons, I never did it alone. It was too hard and too discouraging to try and do it myself. We need others to pick us up when we are down and encourage us to get back in the game. It is also good to have a coach to map out a workout plan. Do you have a spiritual mentor? Someone who is one step ahead of you who you want to be like? All Christians should look like a sheep from the front and a shepherd from behind. Meaning who are you following, and who is following you, even if that is your own kids!
Prayer: God help us to get in shape. May we use the tools that Jesus found necessary to walk the life of faith. Send companions our way that we may run the race well and finish strong and take others with us, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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