BEN F. VICK, JR.
Paul wrote to his son in the gospel, Timothy, two letters. These along with Titus are sometimes misnamed, “Pastoral Epistles.” They would be better labeled “Preacher Epistles.” They are profitable for preachers to read regularly. However, they are beneficial for all (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The duties of preachers are set forth in these letters, but it is good for all members to see the responsibilities given to preachers. Some forget the role of gospel preachers. Timothy was even instructed, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance [NKJV says “If you instruct the brethren.”] of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.”(1 Tim. 4:6-9.)
Preachers are to remind brethren and in particular to remind or instruct them in what Paul had said to Timothy earlier. All of us need reminders. Peter wrote, “Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover, I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” (2 Pet. 1:12-15.) When Paul was traveling back to Jerusalem, he met the elders of Ephesus at Miletus. Among the things he said to them was, “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31.) If preachers remind brethren of the truth, they will be good ministers of Jesus Christ, “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” which they have carefully followed.
Further, Paul encouraged Timothy to “refuse” or “reject” old wives’ fables. The English Standard says, “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” Why mention “old wives’ fables”? “In this part of the ancient world, old women had a reputation for storytelling which sometimes put the gods in an outrageous light. From earliest times in Anatolia, female religious officials known as ‘old women’ kept alive the ancient myths.” (Reese, New Testament Epistles – Timothy and Titus, p. 172.) Regardless of whether women or men are telling fables or myths, Paul said reject them. See also 1 Timothy 1:4.
Rather than swallowing the fables, Paul told Timothy to “exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” “Exercise” translates a Greek word from which we get our English word “gymnasium” (gymnazō). The meaning is to train, undergo discipline as would an athlete for an event. However, we are to train, discipline ourselves toward an “awesome respect accorded to God, devoutness, piety.” This entails exercising vigorously toward godliness, striving earnestly to become godly. Peter exhorts us to put forth every effort to add the Christian graces which include godliness (2 Peter 1:5-9).
How does one exercise himself unto godliness? Personal devotion in prayer and the study of God’s word. This requires each of us taking time out of busy schedules to allot for meditation. “Closet time” that is, time spent in prayer, if you please. Is your spiritual life declining? It may be because your prayer time is waning. Take time to be holy. Every day we must allow God to speak to us through his word; everyday we must spend time speaking to God through prayer.
Striving earnestly unto godliness also includes attending Bible classes, worship services. How many will take advantage of the Stop 11 Lectureship right here in Indianapolis? The date is November 5-9. Check the schedule on the board and plan to attend.
Exercising unto godliness includes visiting the sick and homebound as one has opportunity. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10.) John wrote, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17.) Putting into practice Glen Campbell’s song, “Try A Little Kindness” would make this world a better place.
Further, Paul said, “For bodily exercise profiteth little.” He was not putting down physical exercise. It is profitable, but in comparison to godliness it profits little. Physical exercise profits in this life, but godliness is profitable for here and eternity. Much time and money are spent on the physical body and how little is given to godliness. The fields, courts, courses, and workout places are filled every day and even on Sunday for the temporal. Yes, one should take care of his body, but how much are we doing for our souls? And what are we teaching our children? They can tell you about great athletes, but how much can they tell you about the apostles? Hardeman said that some people are so ignorant that they think Jesus was shot at Bunker Hill, not crucified at Calvary. That might be an exaggeration, but it is not far from the truth for many in the world.
“Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Godliness promises a better life here. People sometimes forget this. If we exercise ourselves more unto godliness, we would have the promise of a better life here. By that I do not mean one will get rich, but following God’s way will be a happy way. Jesus said to his apostles in reference to following him in service: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”(John 13:17.) People can get so caught up in making a living that they fail to make a life. Put the Lord first and all things will fall into place (Matt. 6:33).
Beyond the better life here in living godly, there is the promise of eternal life. Bodily exercise cannot make that promise. Our bodies wear out no matter how hard we try to slow the process down (2 Cor. 4:16-18). They return to the dust (Ecc. 12:7). However, our souls live on.