1Timothy 4:7-8 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
‘Profane and old wives’ fables.’ This refers to any made-up stories, tales, motivations or lessons apart from the Biblical examples God gave as the only true examples and lessons for us to learn from. Most people come up with everyday life stories to use as encouragement, but the examples are not Godly inspired and mostly used with wrong scriptural references and can cause people to stumble and lose faith rather than get to know God.
‘Exercise’ [Greek: gumnazo] take exercise in godly things instead of physical, so you may win eternal life (4:7-8; 1Cor. 9:24-27). So many people spend hours and hours on their bodies and plenty of money, but their own salvation is dearly neglected. Exercise in moderation is necessary, but your body is not an object for pride or show (1Cor. 6:19-20).
‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated as “profitable” (2Tim. 3:16; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (4:8). The gospel of Christ is profitable to anyone who believes therein and lives according to it. For others, sadly, He is a stumbling stone (Rom. 9:33; 1Cor. 1:23; 1Pet. 2:7).
‘Unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.’ Threefold profit of godliness: Profits in all things (2Pet. 1:3). Profits in this life (Mark 10:30-31). Profits in the life to come (Rom. 6:1-23).
To be continued…
Living the Word 