1 Timothy 4:7-12
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
Devotion
In this passage, Paul continues to instruct and encourage this young pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul begins with a warning to avoid “godless myths and old wives’ tales.” This is Paul’s second reference to myths. The word “myth” here is a term used to characterize something as fanciful or untrue. Instead, Paul encourages Timothy to “train yourself to be godly.” Paul points out that training in godliness reaps eternal fruit whereas physical training only offers temporal benefits. This principle does not only apply to church leaders but has a broad application for all believers. In his commentary on First Timothy, J.M. McGee writes, “Paul’s emphasis on godliness rather than on physical exercise is because the Ephesians were a people given over to games and athletics. We are also that kind of nation. Many believers put more emphasis on athletics then they do on the things of God.” Paul is not saying that bodily exercise is wrong. Instead, he is communicating that we need to prioritize things that are of eternal value.
Then Paul reminds Timothy of the transnational scope of the gospel. “Our hope,” Paul writes is in, “the living God, Who, is the Savior of all.” Once again, we are reminded of the importance of the doctrine of the Godhead. Jesus is the Savior of the world! Jesus Himself declared, “I am the Way the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Jesus is God’s provision for the salvation of all mankind. Jesus’ sacrifice has the power to reconcile everyone that has ever been born. This does not mean that everyone will go to heaven. Only those that appropriate Christ’s death through faith will reap the benefit (reconciliation) of His sacrifice. Clearly Paul is reminding Timothy that Jesus’ death has the power to save all who would believe or trust in Him.
Paul knew that there would be some in the church who would look down on Timothy because of his youth. Yet, Paul encourages him to still be an “example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” How could Timothy keep people from despising his youth? He could do this by godly living. Like the other principles found in this letter, the application of this truth is not just reserved for church leaders. As believers, we should always strive to reflect Jesus in our daily living. Whether we realize it or not, people are always watching us. Believers and non-believers are watching us to see if this Jesus really has the power to transform lives. The important thing is not age as it is spiritual maturity.
Questions to Ponder
How are leaders and churches swayed by bad doctrine? How are you training yourself to be godly? How are you investing your life in things of eternal value? What are some ways you can be a good example to others? Have you put your hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people?
Prayer Points
- Worship the Lord as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Praise Him as Your all and all, One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thank Him for saving you, revealing His heart to you and loving you just as you are. Thank Him for this free gift of salvation that was so costly to Him.
- Bless His Holy Name, worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, worship Him from the overflowing of your heart. Tell Him how much You love Him.
- As you sit in His presence, invite The Spirit of Truth to remind you of things you need to confess. Allow His kindness to lead you to repentance. Thank Him for His forgiveness.
- Pray to the Living Hope ask Him to infill you with the Holy Spirit and enable you to abide in Christ Jesus. Live out what He teaches you through our sermons and through your own reading of the Word.
Suggested Prayer
Here I am, the one You love Lord. Come and minister to my heart, refresh me by Your Indwelling Spirit. Hope of Glory, thank You for residing in me. I ask that You lift my head and turn my eyes to You, all that is true and right, good and perfect. Transform my mind and heart to mediate on Your Word, cause it to run swiftly in and through me and Your church. Help us to seek You first and Your Kingdom. Incline our ears to hear Your voice, to listen, obey and walk in the light. Grant us wisdom and discernment to recognize the voice of the accuser and quickly turn to You the King of our heart. Thank You Lord for hearing my prayer. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.