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1 Timothy 4:6–11
The Apostle Paul states in 1 Timothy 4:6 (NKJV), “6If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” “These things,” as Paul states, are the instructions Paul has been giving Timothy throughout this epistle. As Paul gives instructions to follow, he also gives instructions to be aware of the false teachings that will be presented. He states in 1 Timothy 4:7–8, “7But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8For 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. Paul ends this section by stating, “9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11These things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:9–11).
This is a command to teach the Bible and to disregard the “old wives’ fables” of earthly wisdom that is beneath the wisdom of God.
It is possible that during the ministry of the Apostle Paul, he witnessed a phenomenon in which the people were dedicated to exercising their physical bodies (such as we see today) that will deteriorate to death, but were neglecting their spiritual bodies which will last forever, even after physical death. Paul teaches that the wisdom of the Bible is profitable for all aspects of life, both physical and spiritual, leading to a healthy life overall. If we were to put as much study and exercise into the Bible and memorizing its passages and learning its lessons for life eternal as we do in studying how to be physically fit and the time we spend complying to the fables we have grown to believe, the health of our entire lives would grow tremendously. Being physically fit is a good thing to pursue in this life, but if we are putting that much effort into physical life, should we not put more effort into a healthy spiritual life that lasts forever? The Bible teaches us in 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Dear LORD,
We want to be physically fit, and it is a good thing to pursue such a routine to take care of our physical bodies. Please help us to realize and understand that it is even more important for us to exercise our spiritual bodies through studying Your word, seeking and following Your will for our lives, and spending time in prayer with You each day asking Your help and guidance, healing for those in need, and giving You praise and thanksgiving for the great things You are doing in our lives through the struggles of this world. We love You; we thank You; we praise You LORD God Almighty. In Jesus name I pray, amen.