Scripture References: 1 Timothy 4:7-16; 1 Timothy 5:1-8; Philippians 2:12-13
Intro: Welcome. We continue our study of 1 Timothy. Paul writes to young pastor Timothy, who is leading a struggling church in Ephesus. Amidst instructions for correcting false teaching and appointing leaders, Paul gives Timothy a crucial personal charge in chapter 4: Don't just focus on fixing the church; actively train yourself for godliness. This call applies to all of us.
Key Points:
- What is Godliness? (v. 7): God-likeness. Not becoming omniscient or omnipotent, but reflecting God's communicable character: His mercy, love, justice, kindness, holiness, etc.
- Godliness Requires Focus (v. 7a): "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales." Training requires eliminating distractions – things that hinder growth or pull our attention away from God. This includes obviously "godless" things, but also "good" things that aren't God's best for us right now. What needs to go so you can grow?
- Godliness Requires Effort & Training (vv. 7b-10, 13-16): Godliness doesn't just happen passively. Paul uses strong action verbs: train, labor, strive, command, teach, set an example, devote, do not neglect, be diligent, give yourself wholly, watch closely, persevere. It requires disciplined effort, like athletic training. We do what we can do now (practice spiritual disciplines) trusting God to enable us to do what we can't yet do (consistent godly character).
- Why Train? It Has Lasting Value (v. 8): Physical training has some temporary value. But "godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Investing in godly character yields eternal returns; investing only in the physical eventually decays.
- Measuring Godliness (Connecting to 1 Tim 5): How do we know if we're growing? Godliness isn't just internal; it works itself out practically, especially in relationships:
- Treating Others Rightly (5:1-2): Relating to different age groups with respect and purity.
- Meeting Needs (5:3-8): Caring practically for those in need (like widows), especially within one's own family.
- Home Life (5:8): Godliness must be evident to those closest to us.
- Hope In God, Not Just Effort (v. 10): While we "labor and strive," our ultimate hope isn't placed in our training efforts or results. We train because "we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior..." Our effort is empowered by His grace and aimed toward Him (Phil 2:13).
Conclusion: Becoming like God (godliness) is a high calling that requires intentional focus, disciplined training, and strenuous effort. It demands eliminating distractions and actively pursuing God through spiritual practices. While requiring effort, this pursuit has unparalleled value for now and eternity, and our ultimate hope rests in the God who saves and empowers us.
Call to Action: Do you have a plan to grow in godliness? Identify one distraction to eliminate this week. Choose one spiritual discipline (Bible reading, prayer, serving, etc.) to actively "train" in. Place your hope confidently in the living God, trusting His power to work in you as you make the effort.
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