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Article Archive |
2009
Train Yourself to be GODLY
by Jim Morris
The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). Paul uses the term, “godliness,” eight times in his first letter to Timothy (2:2; 3:16; 4:7, 8; 6:3, 5, 6, 11). He then uses the term twice on two other occasions to young preachers (2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:1).
Paul warned that certain men in Ephesus were teaching false doctrines that promoted controversies rather than God's work (1 Timothy 1:3-4). Two of them, Hymenaeus and Alexander, had so shipwrecked their faith that Paul handed them over to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme (1:20). Their hearts, consciences and faith were polluted with myths and endless genealogies. In short, they became ungodly.
Timothy must be different. Paul commanded him, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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” (4:7-8). Training in godliness is the “detoxification process” for worldly contamination. Fortunately, the training regime is simple.
First, command and teach the WORD of God (1 Timothy 4:11). Godliness comes from the revealed word of God not myths. We must stay within the bounds of scripture. We must speak where the Bible speaks and keep silent where it is silent. God's word has commanding authority within it.
Second, set an EXAMPLE for the believers (4:12). Godliness requires that faith and action must not be separated. We must practice what we preach. Leaders must provide a living example of faith in every aspect of their lives: in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Third, DEVOTE yourself to God's ministry (4:13-16). Living out the word of God demands diligence, dedication and devotion. Godliness must become a “way of life” and not just another pastime. Godliness must be the passionate pursuit that forces us to make the choice between living for ourselves or for God.
Finally, the end RESULT of godliness is salvation (4:16). Enduring the training in godliness brings salvation to us and our hearers. Therefore, “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:11-16).
02-04-09
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