EXERCISE YOURSELF TOWARD GODLINESS

1 Timothy 4:7-8, “But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”  

Exercise.  It’s an important part of maintaining one’s health.  Studies have shown this to be true and with all the health and diet fads that come and go, the fact that we need exercise remains a constant.  What does exercise do for us?  It keeps our bodies in shape, gives us more energy and improves our overall health.  Paul’s reference to exercise addressed the training in gymnasiums of athletes as they prepared for competitions.  Their goal was to develop their bodies to optimum condition so that they would have every advantage possible.  If their abilities led them to victory they would receive a perishable crown, great praise and possibly other prizes.  Yet Paul said the profit of such things was minute in comparison to the benefits of spiritual exercise.  As Christians, we need to exercise ourselves “toward godliness”

What does exercise toward godliness mean?  First of all consider the idea of spiritual exercise.  As already mentioned, exercise is training toward a goal.  It is putting forth effort to better your chances of achieving your goal.  In other words, if we are to be godly, we need to work at it.  We need to learn what godliness is and those things that will help us become that.  We also need to understand that which will hinder us from achieving this state.  In reference to athletic contests, Paul said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27).  Paul’s reference to discipline and subjecting the body were forms of spiritual exercise (based on the concepts of physical exercise) that could keep him fit in this race for eternity.  He knew the importance of constant effort in achieving one’s goal.  Our “exercise” has to be ongoing if we are to be pleasing to God.  In our text (vs. 7), the word is a present tense verb meaning ongoing action or a state you are currently in. The United Bible Society New Testament Handbook says of this verse, “In some languages an expression like "Work hard to be" (CEV) will be more natural. The form of the Greek verb is that of a present imperative, emphasizing the continuity of the action (so TEV "keep yourself in training"). The attainment of the godly life is not a one-time event; it needs persistent and strenuous effort both mentally and spiritually. Another way of expressing Train yourself in godliness is "You must train yourself continually to live a life that shows reverence to God."”

Putting it in context, Paul has addressed the profane and ‘old wives’ fables that were obsessing some of the brethren at Ephesus and other places as well.  While they were getting carried away with exercising their minds in these worldly and bodily pursuits, their benefits were very minute compared to channeling their efforts toward godliness. 

In all of this, let it be understood that Paul is not saying that we should not exercise.  He is simply stating priorities.  Bodily exercise DOES profit a little and as we take care of our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20) we will be better fit to serve God to our fullest capacity.  But what is it worth if we have a totally fit physical body if we lose our souls while achieving that? (cf. Matthew 16:26) 

Toward godliness.  What exactly is this godliness we are to be striving to achieve?  The word means, “reverence, respect, piety toward God, godliness.” (Thayer)  Louw & Nida describe the word as, “behavior reflecting correct religious beliefs and attitudes”  In 1Timothy 2:2 Paul exhorts us to pray for leaders so that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”  Of this expression, Louw & Nida point out that it could properly be translated as, “‘to live as God would have us live’ or ‘to live as God has told us we should live.’”  In essence, that describes godliness.   Are our exercises in this life directed toward that as a priority?  Think about it.

In closing let us consider one more text.  Heb 12:1-2 says, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  The weight that the author says we are to lay aside describes another training exercise.  Both now and back then, one training technique of athletes, especially runners, was to train with added weight (we call it resistance training) to help build up the body for the contest.  Then when the contest comes, the weights are cast aside and running the race seems easier.  As we continue to exercise ourselves toward godliness, we must learn to cast off the weights (sin and hindrances) that slow us down and look toward Jesus at the finish line so that “promise of life that now is and of that which is to come.”  Are you exercising yourself toward godliness?

TATJR