hotcoffee
New Member
1 Timothy 4:6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 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.
a.1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
Some women, in a couple of the churches I have attended over the years, used Verse 8 to start up their diet and exercise groups. They claimed that if we are overweight then the non-believers would say that we don't care about the bodies God gave us. Personally, I think they missed the point.
The commentaries are all over the place on these verses. As a matter of fact one of them talked about the fact that Timothy would have been around 30 when he received the letter and suggests that Timothy might have been having problems with not having a wife [term was conjugal relief]. Several talked about those who were just sitting around, fasting and praying to get Jesus to return swiftly.
I think this commentary comes closest to how I understand this verse.
Exercise yourself toward godliness: Ancient Greek and Roman culture put a high value on physical exercise. Paul tells Timothy that the same work and commitment that others put towards physical exercise should be put toward the pursuit of godliness.
i. “Here is an intentional paradox. Timothy is to meet the spurious asceticism of the heretics by exercising himself in the practical piety of the Christian life.” (White)
ii. The word godliness comes from the old English word Godlikeness; it means to have the character and attitude of God. This was a worthy goal, much more worthy that the potential attainments of physical exercise.
iii. Bodily exercise profits a little in that it has some value. Or, the idea can be translated bodily exercise is good for a while, while exercising unto godliness is good for all eternity.
iv. Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. With each, growth only comes with exertion and proper feeding.
i. “Here is an intentional paradox. Timothy is to meet the spurious asceticism of the heretics by exercising himself in the practical piety of the Christian life.” (White)
ii. The word godliness comes from the old English word Godlikeness; it means to have the character and attitude of God. This was a worthy goal, much more worthy that the potential attainments of physical exercise.
iii. Bodily exercise profits a little in that it has some value. Or, the idea can be translated bodily exercise is good for a while, while exercising unto godliness is good for all eternity.
iv. Spiritual development and physical development share some similarities. With each, growth only comes with exertion and proper feeding.
I think Paul is using physical development to teach what spiritual development means. After all, most of the Ephesians had been worshiping a lot of gods before becoming saved. I'm sure once in a while one of the tales related to the old gods would pop up. I think Paul was telling Timothy to keep up the fight to make sure the gospel remains pure, undiluted by the old junk.
