Paul reminds Timothy of the Holy Spirit’s warning that “in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, …..” (1 Tim. 4: 1-5) and then tells Timothy to instruct the brethren in these things as a good minister of Jesus Christ.

He writes, “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 the life that is to come.”

Exercise is the normal term for the physical training of Greek athletes and Paul is using it to encourage Timothy to spend his time to exercise towards godliness by developing his relationship with the Lord, since it is this that will be profitable for both this life and the eternal life to come. It reminds me of Matt. 6: 19-21:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Paul concludes the chapter (12-16) with an encouragement for Timothy to take care of his ministry by letting no one despise his youth, by being an example to other believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity and by giving attention to reading, to exhortation and to doctrine. He instructs him not to neglect the gift that is in him, through prophesy, by the laying on of hands.

As we read this chapter, let us follow Paul’s advice to Timothy and exercise ourselves towards godliness so that we develop our relationship with the Lord and, as verse 15 says, “Meditate on these things, give yourself entirely over to them, that your progress may be evident to all.”

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH