Journey Through The Bible
     Old Testament Reading: Proverbs 5-9
     New Testament Reading: 1 Timothy 4

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (1Timothy 4:6-8).

False teachers have always blemished the church. The false teachers in Ephesus taught counterfeit doctrines, and cults and every form of religious extremism the surrounded church. They contradicted Scripture while appearing to be self-disciplined and morally righteous.

The religious landscape of Timothy’s world looks a lot like ours today. This should come as no surprise because Jesus and the apostles warned that truth would become more and more diluted as the end times would draw nearer. Today we live and minister amidst cults, blasphemy, and moral relativism.

Paul urges Believers to grow in their faith through a constant diet of God’s Word. We are to be nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed (v6). Every word that proceeds from God is nutritious for our spiritual maintenance (Jer. 15:16; Matt. 4:4; 1Pet. 2:2). Continually feeding on the truths of Scripture is essential to the spiritual health of all Christians. It is by daily studying the “good doctrine” and meditating on the Word that we grow in our faith and walk closer with God.

Unfortunately, too many want spiritual snacks rather than spiritual meat. Believers must avoid wasting spiritual energy on pointless and silly myths (v7). Listening to false teachers who use human reason to subvert God’s Word is not only foolish and futile (Prov. 14:7, & Matt. 7:6), but dangerous (2 Tim. 2:14-18).

Paul also urges intentional training. Rather, train yourself in godliness. For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (v7b-8). Paul promotes practices that help us become more like Jesus. He commends physical training but emphasizes the greater value of training in godliness. Just as athletes train their bodies, so Christians must train their souls.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy came with a promise that if he heeded the instructions, Timothy would become a good servant of Christ Jesus (v6). Paul’s advice to Timothy is as relevant to us today as it was the day he penned the words. Christian must be disciplined. They must guard their motives, be faithful to God and His Word, and live commendable lives.