Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – audio

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Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-11

The apostle Paul charges the young man Timothy to instruct Christians in rejecting profane and old wives’ fables, and rather to exercise themselves unto godliness.

There are many false religions in the world today, but only one can stand true. We must not be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ (Ephesians 4:14-15).” We get such exercise toward godliness through and studying and doing God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22).

Just as bodily exercise helps a little, spiritual exercise leading to godliness helps a whole lot! Paul later told Timothy “godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6).” We may gain a little temporarily from physical exercise, but imagine what there is to gain eternally by living the life that God has called us to live!

In order to receive an eternal reward, we must work hard. Sometimes a person needs motivation to work hard. God gives us such motivation! Paul says here, “we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).” God is our Savior, who has sent His Son Jesus to die for us. Because Christ died, was buried, and rose again, we have the hope of eternal life through Him. This should motivate us to live godly lives in Christ Jesus.

This is good news for you, me, and everyone else in this world. Paul finally charges Timothy to “command and teach (1 Timothy 4:11)” these things. Let us share this good news with others with our words, but also our godly lives.