The Value of Spiritual Discipline.1 Timothy 4:8-10.
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. To this end, we strive because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.
Dear Holy Nation,
We continue with the thought of training in godliness. This is contrasted with physical fitness.
Superior (v. 8).Paul acknowledges that physical training has value. The health benefits of exercise, which requires discipline, are better understood today than at any previous time in human history. But spiritual discipline is of far greater value. Whereas physical discipline has value only for this life, spiritual discipline straddles both the present and the life to come. Paul is most probably thinking of rewards here (2 Timothy 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:10). There is the glory of a greater kind awaiting those who live godly lives.
Saying (v. 9). Paul uses the phrase that is unique to the Pastoral Epistles (1&2 Timothy & Titus) about a trustworthy saying. In the context here, he is probably referring to the previous statement about spiritual discipline. It well may have been a statement that Christians commonly used to encourage one another to godliness.
Struggle (v. 10). It is not smooth sailing for those who desire to live godly lives. They have to “toil and strive.” It is so much easier to just yield to temptation, be lazy and not pray or meditate on God’s word. But at stake is our relationship with our God and Saviour, so we strive. The way savior is used in this context also implies that God is preserving everyone but that those who believe experience salvation more fully. Let us not “neglect such a great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3).
Your Loving Pastor Chris.