for, while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future. 1 Timothy 4:8 NABRE
Paul is writing to Timothy providing pastoral advice and sharing personal concern. Timothy is of poor health and Paul cannot be with him. Paul insists Timothy must be strong in his personal spiritual life and in dealing with false teachers and other matters of discipline. Paul gives a comparison to athletic training. An athlete must control his body and obey rules. The Christian should make his body his servant and not his master. Spiritual exercise is not easy, but we must agonize and strain giving our best to win. A Christian who wants to excel must really work at it, along with grace from God and then the Christian can be the glory of God. To exercise spiritually is not only profitable for us but also profitable for others. We are able to be good examples, encouraging others. For those who exercise and grow in the spirit will receive value not only in this life but in the next. Unlike athletic training which is only good for this life, our spiritual growth will carry us into the next life as well. Godly living helps us, it helps those who see us and it can be a sign for the lost.
We Christians have fixed our hope on the living God. Our hope is in the Lord. Others who are not followers or even may be lost don’t have this hope. We should live in such a way, through spiritual exercise and practice that those who see us will be impressed and will want to glorify our Father. Through our lives we can be shining lights set on a hill, so that all who see us will want to know God too.
Do you exercise daily? Do you exercise your spiritual muscle daily?
Unlike athletic training which is only good for this life, our spiritual growth will carry us into the next life as well. Godly living helps us, it helps those who see us and it can be a sign for the lost. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #exercise #value#Timothy #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer#goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat#bocaraton #youversion #everythingalways