Controlling time and priorities so they do not control you

Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-8 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine, which you have been following. ⁷ But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.  

Application: This section deals with issues of time and priorities. We need to stay focused and not allow ourselves to be sidetracked. In Paul’s day there were many that loved to talk a lot about nothing, thinking that their many words made them sound brilliant. The word used for “worldly” communicates teachings that are beyond silly, but are more defaming of God:

Worldy - βέβηλος bébēlos; Unhallowed, the opposite of hierós, sacred (1 Tim. 4:7; 6:20; 2 Tim. 2:16) ^[1]…the word refers to Gnostic teachings which are scornfully described as profane and unholy μῦθοι (1 Tm. 4:7) and κενοφωνίαι (1 Tm. 6:20; 2Tm. 2:16). In opposition to their claim to offer an inward truth of religion inaccessible to others, the Gnostic statements concerning God are actually seen to be outside the sphere of the holy God and His Gospel.^[2]

Paul rightly exhorts Timothy to not waste his time with such debates, and even describing them as useful only for people who are busybodies, that waste time arguing over things that are untrue and unedifying. We all need to see the focus Paul is trying to encourage Timothy to have, he needs to use his time the best he can. All of us have a limited amount of time to live on this earth, we should spend it wisely, in a way that brings investment. Paul then moves to describe the focus needed. He wants us to prioritize our life, we need to discipline ourselves in matters that are most important.

 

Discipline - γυμνάζω gumnázō; Generally to exercise, train - 1 Tm. 4:7: γύμναζε σεαυτὸν πρὸς εὐσέβειαν, demands concentration on what is inward instead of external…The apostle says that the bodily discipline which took the form of physical exercise “profiteth little.” The literal Greek is, “is profitable for a little.” The meaning is that the use of physical exercise extends to only a few things.^[3]

Two issues need consideration here. First, we need to make time, not try and find it, to spend with You Lord, AND keep it as a priority, by training ourselves as Paul said in godliness. This will separate us from the pack. Sanctify us from the world, so that we will be in the world but not of the world, thereby impacting the world and ourselves, both now and eternally. Like an athlete, we must develop within ourselves the discipline needed for God to produce in us His character. The Second issue is one of honesty. Paul does not say physical exercise is useless. As a man who has struggled with weight, I am sadden when other men I know with the same struggle use this verse to justify their lack of discipline. Physical exercise is important to the whole man, and I am better in spirit if I am honest about my struggle. Trying to bend a scripture to justify a weakness in my character hurts me more than anyone else. Physical exercise is important for the health of the body; still, Paul wants us to remain focused. Physically exercise, YES, but Paul says, realize it has only a little benefit in overall eternal issues. I think the key is balance. To forsake being physically fit is not wise, but to be physically perfect, yet ungodly is a tremendous miscalculation in what’s really important in the realm of life. Father, help us to treat Your word with integrity. Let’s accept what it states, as it states it, and let us be the ones to change, instead of trying to change it.

Meditation Questions: Do you keep a “to do list”? Do you keep a “stop do list”? What does that show? How much time do you give to debating issues that cannot be resolved? What does that show? When you give your time to something, have you weighed the eternal value? How consistent are you to connect with God daily? What does that look like? What do you want to change? What are you doing about it? Are you disciplined in all areas of your life? What does that say?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

^[2] Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

^[3] Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (1 Ti 4:7). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.