The Urgency for Spiritual Fitness
1 Timothy 4:6-10
Turn to 1 Timothy 4. One of the crazes today in our culture is to be physically fit. Likely much of the exercise that people get today is due more to recreational exercise than it would be from their work. But back in the day, staying physically fit probably came more from your job or responsibilities. Almost everything would have required a lot of physical effort. When we bought our house, I inherited a riding lawn tractor from the previous owner. Now you need to understand, that I am a little old school, though I am sure that is not surprising to most of you. But we do have a fair amount of lawn, so I used it reluctantly. Now my problem with riding lawn tractors is that I picture guys who use them as old, and guys who have nothing better to do than to cut their lawns every three days.
Now admittedly, it does look nice with that wide cutting area, looks like a baseball diamond. But when it wasn’t not working a bit a go, I got out my old lawn mower out, which is really a good one. And I said to Anne, this is a lot more exercise, as I really felt like a man cutting that whole lawn with a push gas lawn mower. Now admittedly, I have my tractor back and have been enticed into using it again. But when we used to live in Stoney Creek, when I was a kid, we just had a regular-sized lawn. And I cut it with this manual push lawn mower, no engine, you know the kind. And I don’t really remember thinking that this was not good or a lot of work. I mean I probably thought it was better than using hedge trimmers or something to cut the lawn.
But this is true of many things, that chores back in the day were far more manual. I mean various machines have made life less physical, and admittedly, pastoring is not all that physical, So, to offset this, society has looked to other ways to keep fit. So, there are gyms and workout centers, and church 2-pitch. And keeping at least somewhat fit has some advantages, as it may help us to do all the things we have to do without as much pain or tiredness. But imagine what life would be like today without gas lawnmowers, power tools, washing machines, chainsaws, or vehicles for that matter. We would all be really strong and fit, wouldn’t we?
Obviously, Paul was well aware of the tendency to want to be fit physically even in his day, as Paul and the writer of Hebrews used many analogies from sports and fitness. Paul said an athlete must keep the rules to win. He said he had fought the good fight, he had finished the race. Paul spoke to the Corinthians about running the race and beating his body. He spoke about running forward and not looking back. The writer of Hebrews spoke about running with endurance. I do not mind doing physical work, in fact, I like doing a job and getting all sweaty and tired, it feels good. However, I am not very good at just working out, or going out by myself and jogging. But if I was competing against someone, that is a different story.
When I was in grade six, I was the anchor, meaning I was the fourth runner for the famous R. L. Hyslop Public School relay team. And at the end of the school year, we had a final race against the grade fours and fives. I mean, we had nothing to win, as we could not be humiliated and lose to grade fours or fives. Well when our second guy handed the baton off to the third guy, he dropped the baton and then he fell trying to pick it up, and we were way behind the grade five team. This would be the greatest humiliation in the name of sports! So, when I got the baton for the last lap, and I would never want to embellish this at all, we were way behind. And there was no way that I was going to catch the grade five guy, unless I was some kind of superhuman, which apparently I was, well at least I thought I was, and we won! In fact, if you are anywhere near Stoney Creek today, just ask someone about that race back in 1971, as I am sure it is still talked about. Well, that was the climax of my running career, as I think I won overall in grade seven, but then guys with longer legs started to beat me in grade eight. It was sort of annoying. They seemed like Nephilim to me, as giants were now in the land.
Well, we enjoy doing physical labour. We have fun playing church baseball, and it is good to take the dog for a walk once in a while. And Paul is actually going to directly address this in our passage, for he says (vs 7) that bodily training is only of little profit. Now this does not mean that it is of no profit, but the emphasis that Paul is using here is in contrast. That physical training is of little value. Why? Well, for two reasons: one, is that it pertains only to this life; and secondly, it is only useful for some things. Whereas godliness pertains to this life and the next, and it is useful for everything.
“On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily training 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. It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance.”
1 Tim 4:7b-9 (LSB)
“A trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance,” or we could say that this is such an obvious truth, or that there is no argument for this one in comparison to spiritual training or godliness. This is common in the Bible where there is often a comparison between the value of something in this life versus something valuable for the life to come. Jesus said, don’t store up treasures here on this earth, but store up treasures in heaven. Well, let’s read through this passage as we will see Paul giving Timothy a great pep talk, as this is such a positive passage pertaining to the spiritual life.
“In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. But refuse godless myths fit only for old women. On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness, for bodily training 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. It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”
1 Tim 4:6-10 (LSB)
There are four specific things that Paul tells Timothy which will be a great benefit to him spiritually. And when we think of ourselves someday lying on our deathbed, these are investments that are so valuable, because unlike anything else, they will carry on with us into the next life. And I want to be careful here that we do not forget that when we die and have trusted in Christ for our salvation we receive glorified bodies, and we no longer have to live with our sin nature. But there is also much in the Scriptures about rewards and crowns, much about investing in the treasures of heaven, for why would Jesus ever say things like, lay-up treasures in heaven if it didn’t matter? Why is Paul teaching Timothy here to strive toward godliness if whether I did well as a Christian or did not, made no difference in heaven? Why did Jesus say things like to him who has been given much, much will be required when heaven is this level playing field for the Christian who wasted much of his gifts and the Christian who used much of his gifts?
Will the Christian who stands before Christ and who enters because he trusted in Christ, but did little for Christ, will his eternity look the same as the one who toiled and strived and maybe even gave his life for Christ? Because if none of this really matters, Paul’s words to Timothy become somewhat empty, and my preaching this morning becomes somewhat empty. For why would any of this matter to you or me, if it made no difference in eternity? So, in this passage, there are four things which Paul highlights with such importance in considering this high priority of spiritual fitness. So important that he would say that “bodily training is of little profit” in comparison.
“In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
1 Tim 4:6 (LSB)
- BE COMMITTED TO TRUTH (vs 6)
Paul’s focus here in this passage is on the “words of faith,” and then he says of the “sound doctrine,” using the singular “doctrine.” If you remember when we were going through the book of John, Jesus said My teaching or doctrine, singular, is not Mine, but from Him who sent Me. In 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul says:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.”
- Tim 3:16 (LSB)
It is profitable for teaching or profitable for doctrine, singular. A. W. Pink points out that in our passage last week when referring to the deceit and lies of Satan, Paul refers to the “doctrines of demons,” plural. And in Colossians 2:22 Paul states:
“Which deal with everything destined to perish with use, which are in accordance with the commands and teachings of men.”
Col 2:22 (LSB)
Again, we see the plural used, and in Hebrews 13:9, the writer warns about being carried away by “varied and strange teachings,” plural. Pink concludes that the teachings or doctrines of men or as we saw last week the doctrines of demons are plural in that they are diverse and conflicting. Whereas the sound doctrine that Paul speaks about in our passage, or the teaching of Christ or Scripture that is profitable for teaching is singular as it is unified and harmonious. And this is important as we must understand that when two truths can be hard for us to reconcile, they are fully reconcilable and one in the mind of God. As all truth in the Bible has harmony, as there is nothing in God’s truth that contradicts. So, when we encounter something in the Bible that is hard to reconcile, it is us, it is the limitations of our human minds.
And so, Paul tells Timothy here to be nourished on the words of faith and the sound doctrine. And so, we must be committed to that truth, not troubled or disinterested or believing it to be unrelated to us today. For how could Paul tell Timothy to be nourished by sound doctrine when it would not be so important to Timothy, and when it is not vastly important for us today? That would make no sense. We know the analogy in the Bible or the need to be fed by God’s Word. And this is exactly what Christ taught, that “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” Just as Paul says we are to be nourished by God’s Word. So, there needs to be a commitment to God’s Word, more than just something that we mentally adhere to, or that we check off a list and say, there I did my reading. And to say that I do not have time to read God’s Word is untrue. For if it is a daily nourishment, I must read it, for it would be like saying I do not have time to eat.
You know what gets me out of bed in the morning? Now if you want me to be really spiritual here, I am going to disappoint you. But usually when I wake up, I am starving. This is the kind of thirst and hunger that we are to have for the Word of God. And if you say, Mark, I don’t have that. This is exactly what Paul is talking about when he challenges Timothy. The Bible is what you need to be nourished on, it is what you need to be committed to.
“But refuse godless myths fit only for old women.”
1 Tim 4:7a (LSB)
The second thing which Paul highlights with such importance in considering this high priority of spiritual fitness is similar to the first.
- BE WISE (vs 7a)
Refuse godless myths fit only for old women. This is an odd expression that insinuates that old women could easily be fooled. Well, one, it does not mean they are the only ones fooled, for Paul gives the warning here for everyone, insinuating that many could be fooled like old women. And secondly, in this culture, it would be women who would be less educated, which means that they would be more apt to fall for a foolish teaching. But again, the warning here is, so could you. So, the instruction from Paul is to be wise and discerning. In other words, be very careful who you listen to and careful what you believe concerning the Scriptures. So important for today when crazy ideas are swirling around. Time to get back to the Bible here folks and the basics of God’s truth!
I have mentioned before the risk of listening to some who claim to have discovered some mystical find that others have not, or have related numbers or names to such things that are supposed to mean something hidden. But when you read a passage from the Bible, you must ask yourself, does it really say this? Is this some hidden message that the writer has in mind? Would it not be foolish as Paul is warning here, when we start to read God’s Word trying to find “hidden” meaning? No, I would say that when Paul told Timothy to study to show himself approved, he was referring to knowing the content of the Bible, not some hidden meaning behind it that grabs your interest for a time. I would far rather listen to someone who takes the Bible literally, directly, and who conveys truth that is clear and understandable. And I am not going to lie here, as this can be a challenge in our internet day, for many get criticized and slammed for various reasons.
So, we really need to listen carefully to what a preacher or theologian teaches, and not what others may say about them for reasons that cannot be verified. Teachers who have stood the test of time, who have pastored and been respected by their congregations for years. We need to listen carefully to them so we know what they are saying. Understanding that no man is perfect, that no one when they preach or teach is infallible. And it may not mean that we would agree with everything someone says. There may be those that we may respect much of what they teach, yet clearly disagree with them regarding something like: the mode of baptism; or maybe even 6-day creation; or end-time theology. People will often ask me, what is a good commentary? For they are expecting that they will agree with everything the person has written. But that may not always be the case.
And do not waste your time listening to error. And I am not talking about those who may disagree with you on a specific topic or verse, but those who you find to be just wrong about several parts of the Bible. I know I do not have time for that, and I am sure that you do not have time to sort through errors and lies when you could be challenged and encouraged by those whom you trust. And do not listen to feel-good preachers, that make you feel great every time you listen to them. But to those who are not afraid to preach the Word in season and out of season. In other words, when it is easy to accept and when it is hard to accept. Our minds are precious things that have been given to us by God, and we have the responsibility to fill them with God’s truth, and not with fanciful ideas and thoughts.
Good to be known, Elim Bible Chapel, as a church that uses our minds to study God’s wisdom. Both to live right and to know God. So that we can better teach others and have a scriptural perspective on all that are around us. So that when we encounter all of the challenges of life, our responses are not, this is what I think, but this is God’s wisdom. And wisdom is a long-term process. We sometimes think that wisdom is thinking deeply, and there is truth to that, that we learn to think before acting. But becoming wise takes time because it is dependent upon study. So, sure, I might try to take more time in deciding things, but this too is limited without biblical knowledge, God’s wisdom.
“On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness.”
1 Tim 4:7b (LSB)
The third thing when considering spiritual fitness is:
- LIVE GODLY (vs 7b)
Train yourself for the purpose of godliness. Head knowledge is not the sole purpose of the Bible, but that knowledge is to motivate us in how we live. And this is such a privilege that God has given us, this one life we have to learn and grow and trust. I am always thankful for the privilege of hearing from some of those in the past who have studied God’s Word and given us insight from another culture and time. At 2-pitch after our game, Kevin M gave a devotion from the words of Charles Spurgeon who lived in the 1800’s. That is such a blessing to live during a time when those thoughts can be read and shared. And here Paul is stressing the need for godliness, the purpose of godliness, as its effect goes well beyond this life because physical training only takes us through this life. But spiritual training is valuable for the next life as well. This assumes that living right and striving for godliness must have eternal benefits. Speaking of the blessing of hearing from those in the past, Jonathan Edwards commented on a similar passage in Romans 2:10, “but glory and honour and peace to everyone who works good.” And this is a segment that I wish to read that was written by Edwards in one of his books he wrote on Romans 2:10 in 1740 concerning the benefit of being godly, as he looks at the issue in the Bible of all the saints enjoying supreme glory and happiness, while at the same time, there are also various degrees of reward and position in heaven. Its lengthy, some old English, but listen to what Edwards wrote.
“There are different degrees of happiness and glory in heaven. As there are degrees among the angels, [namely] thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers; so there are degrees among the saints. In heaven are many mansions, and of different degrees of dignity. The glory of the saints above will be in some proportion to their eminency [or status or notoriety] in holiness and good works here. Christ will reward all according to their works. He that gained ten pounds was made ruler over ten cities, and he that gained five pounds over five cities. [In 2 Cor 9:6, Paul said], ‘He that soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.’ And the apostle Paul tells us that, as one star differs from another star in glory, so also it shall be in the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor 15:41). Christ tells us that he who gives a cup of cold water unto a disciple in the name of Christ, shall in no wise lose his reward. But this could not be true, if a person should have no greater reward for doing many good works than if he did but few. It will be no [dampening] to the happiness of those who have lower degrees of happiness and glory, that there are others advanced in glory above them: for all shall be perfectly happy, every one shall be perfectly satisfied. Every vessel that is cast into this ocean of happiness is full, though there are some vessels far larger than others; and there shall be no such thing as envy in heaven, but perfect love shall reign through the whole society. Those who are not so high in glory as others, will not envy those that are higher, but they will have so great, and strong, and pure love to them, that they will rejoice in their superior happiness; their love to them will be such that they will rejoice that they are happier than themselves; so that instead of having a [damper] to their own happiness, it will add to it.”
“There will be a perfect harmony in that society … And so … those that are highest in glory, as they will be the most lovely, so they will be fullest of love: as they will excel in happiness, they will proportionally excel in divine benevolence and love to others, and will have more love to God and to the saints than those that are lower in holiness and happiness. And besides, those that will excel in glory will also excel in humility … The saints in heaven are more humble than the saints on earth, and still the higher we go among them the greater humility there is; the highest orders of saints, who know most of God, see most of the distinction between God and them, and consequently are comparatively least in their own eyes, and so are most humble … [Yet] this happiness of the saints shall never have any interruption … The rivers of pleasure will not fail, the glory and love of God and of Christ will forever be the same, and the manifestation of it will have no interruption. No sin or corruption shall ever enter there, no temptation to disturb their blessedness: the divine love in the saints shall never cool.”
True, these are thoughts that we do not often consider, but I believe we would understand that in eternity we will value greatly the lives of Paul and Moses and Esther, and those down through history who have given so much for the Lord. And Edwards is trying to help us understand the eternal value of living godly. Not works for salvation, but godly living for greater reward, that somehow our spiritual training has eternal consequence. So, finally Paul says:
“For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”
1 Tim 4:10 (LSB)
- STRIVE DAILY (vs 10)
For it would be hard to read Paul’s words and then ask, when do we start? I think we all get the anticipation here by Paul, the urgency is just oozing from this passage, “for this we labour and strive.” In fact, where does Paul go from here? Verse 11, command and teach these things, let no one look down on your youthfulness. This is not even about, where is the sign-up sheet. This is, you have already signed up, whether you are young or old. Some may think that when I get a little older, this will be a real focus for me, or when my kids are a little older, or when I am retired. You know, Timothy was young. All the disciples of Jesus were fairly young. So, don’t fall into the trap that says, I will follow Christ later in life when I have more time, as this is not the thinking of the writer of Hebrews when he said, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, let’s run now. As often those who have things which so easily beset them now, will just find things later in life that will beset them then. Then there are those who serve Christ so passionately in retirement now, also served the Lord passionately long before that, as we run at every age and every stage.
Folks, is this not just about the greatest privilege ever? Even greater than to run on the grade six relay team. You and I who know the Lord have been chosen by Him to be on His team, as the baton has been handed off to us, we run hard at every age and every stage. And at some point, when the Lord calls us home, we hand the baton off. To be committed to the truth, to be wise, to live godly, and to strive daily, because God is good, isn’t He? Let’s pray. Lord, you have saved us by grace through faith. May we understand that privilege, know that privilege, and run hard. And so be trained in godliness for Your glory. And all God’s people said, amen.