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?
[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.
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