READ: Jeremiah 43,44; Psalms 117; 1 Timothy 4
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4: 7 Have
nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself
to be godly.
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.
OBSERVATION: An ancient
Tamil poet sings, “uṭampai vaḷartēṉ uyirai vaḷartēṉē,” which means I nurtured
my body, it helped to my prana (life-giving force, breath) or life. Nowadays
people are so concerned about their health and join in fitness programs or gyms.
However, only those who are continually doing their physical exercises keep
their bodies fit. Here, Paul does not undermine the value of physical training.
Instead, he draws our attention to see the importance and value of godliness.
He commands his protégé and spiritual son Timothy, “train yourself to
be godly.” The first step for training in godliness is strictly rejecting, refusing,
not paying any attention to “godless myths and old wives’ tales.” Myths refer
to popular beliefs or opinions which are not true. Old wives’ tales mean superstitious
and unreliable stories which are believed by many as true. Paul says they are
godless, so listening to them is of no use. In verses 1-3, Paul mentions about deceiving
lies and unbiblical asceticism which would affect people’s faith and mislead
them. Every culture has myths and misleading tales. We should be careful about
them; We have nothing to do with any godless myths and fables. Instead, our focus
should be on God and his word, not on any human words and opinions.
We may wonder what the actual meaning
of godliness is. John Piper explains, “godliness….
which means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God.”
In other words, it refers to the way we live for God. Paul’s command to Timothy
implies that we need to discipline ourselves or exercise self-control to be godly.
Any training requires a commitment to do it sincerely. Reading the Word of God
and prayer are essential spiritual disciplines for all of us. We need to
nourish ourselves in the truths of God by obeying the word of God because
godliness has value both on this earth and in eternity. We should not neglect
our everyday spiritual disciplines to grow and to witness for the Lord. When we
give excessive importance to perishable and temporary things, how much more value
should we give to eternal things? Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone
to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mat.16:26). We should give our
utmost care to train ourselves in godliness. We should set our mind “on things
above, not on earthly things” (Col.3:2). We must fix our eyes on eternity, not
on temporal things (2 Cor.4:17).
APPLICATION: I should train myself in godliness through
reading the scripture, prayer, and fellowship with other Christians. I should not
neglect both physical and spiritual exercises. Though they both are useful, but
my spiritual training brings me close to God and enables me to live with him in
eternity. God has given me the hope and promise for eternal life. I should live
for eternity to be with him forever.
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for reminding me about the spiritual exercises to be godly. Jesus, sanctify me
with your word. Lord, give me your strength to live holy and godly. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
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