The purpose of Paul’s first letter to Timothy was to let Timothy know how “one ought to conduct himself in the household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). Paul wrote that letter to urge his friend to focus on certain matters where Timothy was preaching (1:3). In context, Paul’s words are those of an older preacher with much experience to a younger preacher in need of direction.
How wise for a younger preacher to give ample consideration to good advice! Those who have fought the battles, maybe even learned some things the hard way and have been seasoned through years of valuable experience, sometimes have so much to offer younger preachers. In 1 Timothy, Paul’s experience was shared in what is called ‘trustworthy statements.’ These were truths Timothy could bank on, and although they were written first to a preacher, they are truths that will benefit us all.
1 Timothy 1:15
“Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners.” Jesus did not come into the world for social reform, per se. He did not come to make His disciples wealthy. He did not come to make a “name” for Himself. He did not come for political activism or to seek man’s favor or approval. He came to save sinners (Luke 19:10).
Paul strengthened this statement by using himself as proof. If Jesus could save the foremost sinner of all, He can save you and me. So many people in the world today feel that they are not saved and doubt that they can be saved. Depression and guilt reside where hope and peace should dwell. Jesus came to earth because we had no solution for ourselves on our own. Whatever we have done and wherever we have been, if we come to Jesus, He will save us.
1 Timothy 4:8
“Bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things.” Being fit and healthy is a good thing. Paul must have had a liking of athletics and exercise. He used that imagery often: races, games (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), running (Galatians 2:2, 5:7), running in vain (Philippians 2:16), competing as an athlete (2 Timothy 2:5), fighting the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7).
However, Paul admitted that bodily exercise did have value. Contrasted with godliness (an important theme in this letter with the word found there some nine times), exercise is of only little value. Some people spend many hours, hundreds of dollars and large quantities of passion in their sport or athletic endeavor of choice to a gross neglect of Bible study and prayer time. They will not miss a run, a bike ride, a workout or a weight training session, but their devotional life is destitute. They think very little of missing a worship assembly or a Bible Class. Stretching their souls and flexing their spiritual muscles through the “extra mile” of Gospel meetings, seminars, lectureships and personal Bible studies are never considered.
Ideally, one will practice bodily exercise in proper proportion with pursuits of godliness. In its proper place, physical exercise is good stewardship of the body that can make one a vital resource for the Lord to use to His glory.
Paul lauded godliness. It will benefit one in this world and in the world to come. Godliness not only influences one’s blood pressure, nervous system and mental acuity, it will lead to an eternal future with no death, no sorrow, no crying and no pain (Revelation 21:4).
In 1 Timothy, godliness results from prayer (2:1), good works (2:10), discipline (4:7), sound doctrine (6:3), contentment (6:6) and avoiding the love of money (6:10). These are spiritual exercises that lead to fitness of the soul.
1 Timothy 4:16
‘Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching.’ ‘Show yourself as an example’ (4:12). Monitor one’s speech (2 Timothy 4:2, 15). “Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). Likewise, one must screen his conduct. Do not sharply rebuke an older person, and treat younger men as brothers (5:1). Treat older women as mothers and younger women as sisters (5:2). Honor widows (5:3). Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses (5:19). Do not lay hands upon any one too hastily, and thus share responsibility for the sins of others (5:22). Furthermore, be sure to exemplify purity (1 Timothy 6:11-14).
In conclusion, since life is so uncertain here on earth, it is nice to know that there are some things we can trust to be true. The future cannot be known (Proverbs 27:1), but we can know that the future includes our Lord and some certainties upon which we can rely. We are not waiting for that ideal political candidate; our expectation is not resting on some economic guru or market magician. Our hope is built on nothing less than those things of which we are assured in Scriptures like 1 Timothy. Take comfort in this truth. You can count on it!
