1 Timothy 4:8
For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come.
For physical exercise is of limited value
The phrase "physical exercise" comes from the Greek word "gymnasia," which refers to bodily training or physical discipline. In the Greco-Roman world, physical fitness was highly esteemed, with gymnasiums being central to cultural life. However, Paul emphasizes that while physical exercise has some benefit, it is "of limited value" when compared to spiritual pursuits. This does not dismiss the importance of caring for the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but it places it in perspective. The "limited value" suggests that while physical health is temporary and pertains to this earthly life, it does not extend beyond it.

but godliness is valuable in every way
"Godliness" is translated from the Greek word "eusebeia," which denotes a reverent, devout, and pious life. This term encompasses a life that reflects the character and teachings of Christ, embodying virtues such as love, patience, and humility. The phrase "valuable in every way" underscores the comprehensive benefits of living a godly life. Unlike physical exercise, which benefits only the body, godliness enriches the soul, mind, and spirit, impacting every aspect of a believer's life. It aligns with the biblical principle that spiritual growth and maturity are of utmost importance (2 Peter 3:18).

holding promise for the present life
The "promise for the present life" indicates that godliness yields tangible benefits here and now. This includes peace, joy, and a sense of purpose, as well as the guidance and wisdom that come from living according to God's will. The present life is enriched by the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which enhance relationships, decision-making, and personal well-being. The promise is not merely theoretical but is experienced in the daily walk of faith, providing strength and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

and for the one to come
The phrase "and for the one to come" points to the eternal benefits of godliness. This future promise is the hope of eternal life with God, a central tenet of Christian faith. The assurance of salvation and the anticipation of heaven provide a profound motivation for living a godly life. This eternal perspective encourages believers to invest in what is imperishable and to prioritize spiritual over temporal pursuits (Matthew 6:19-21). The promise of the life to come is a source of comfort and hope, reminding Christians that their ultimate citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Timothy, providing guidance and instruction for church leadership and personal conduct.

2. Timothy
A young pastor and protégé of Paul, serving in Ephesus, who is the recipient of this letter.

3. Ephesus
The city where Timothy was ministering, known for its diverse culture and the Temple of Artemis, which was a center for pagan worship.

4. Godliness
A central theme in Paul's letters, referring to a life that reflects reverence and devotion to God.

5. Physical Exercise
Mentioned as a metaphor for spiritual discipline, highlighting the temporary benefits of physical training compared to eternal spiritual growth.
Teaching Points
The Value of Godliness
Godliness holds eternal value, impacting both our current life and our eternal destiny. It should be prioritized over temporary pursuits.

Balancing Physical and Spiritual Discipline
While physical exercise is beneficial, it should not overshadow the pursuit of spiritual growth. Christians are called to maintain a balance that honors God.

Eternal Perspective
Believers are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, investing in spiritual disciplines that yield everlasting rewards.

Spiritual Training
Just as athletes train their bodies, Christians are called to train themselves in godliness through prayer, study of the Word, and fellowship.

Role of Leadership
Church leaders, like Timothy, are tasked with modeling and teaching the value of godliness, guiding others in their spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of godliness in 1 Timothy 4:8 compare to the physical training mentioned, and what practical steps can you take to prioritize godliness in your life?

2. Reflect on a time when you focused more on physical or worldly pursuits than on spiritual growth. What changes can you make to align more closely with Paul's teaching?

3. How can the metaphor of athletic training help you understand the discipline required in the Christian life? What specific spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your daily routine?

4. In what ways can you encourage others in your community or church to value godliness and spiritual growth over temporary achievements?

5. How do the additional scriptures connected to 1 Timothy 4:8 enhance your understanding of the importance of godliness? How can these insights be applied in your personal walk with Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Paul uses athletic metaphors to describe the Christian life, emphasizing self-discipline and the pursuit of an imperishable crown.

Philippians 3:12-14
Paul speaks of pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly calling, illustrating the importance of spiritual focus and perseverance.

2 Peter 1:3-8
Peter discusses the qualities of godliness and how they lead to a fruitful and effective life in Christ.

Hebrews 12:1-2
The writer encourages believers to run the race with endurance, fixing their eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.
GodlinessP. M'Owan.1 Timothy 4:8
GodlinessD. Thomas.1 Timothy 4:8
Happiness is Attainable in This LifeG. Clayton.1 Timothy 4:8
Happiness of GodlinessW. M. Punshon.1 Timothy 4:8
Religious RecompenseW.M. Statham 1 Timothy 4:8
Secret of HappinessWin. Crawford.1 Timothy 4:8
Temporal BlessingsD. Jennings.1 Timothy 4:8
That Godliness Generally Makes Men Happy in This LifeS. Clarke, D. D.1 Timothy 4:8
The Advantage of GodlinessR. Sibthorp.1 Timothy 4:8
The Advantages of Practical ReligionDr. Beattie.1 Timothy 4:8
The Blessedness of ReligionT. De Witt Talmage.1 Timothy 4:8
The Gain of GodlinessE. Blencowe, M. A.1 Timothy 4:8
The Great BeyondW.M. Statham 1 Timothy 4:8
The Life to ComeJ. Parsons.1 Timothy 4:8
The Present LifeThe Homilist1 Timothy 4:8
The Profit of GodlinessR. Newton.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profit of GodlinessA. J. Griffith.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profit of Godliness in the Life to ComeC. H. Spurgeon.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profit of Godliness in This LifeC. H. Spurgeon.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profitableness of GodlinessI. Barrow.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profitableness of GodlinessI. Barrow.1 Timothy 4:8
The Profitableness of GodlinessJ. G. Henderson.1 Timothy 4:8
What is the Profit of GodlinessH. W. Beecher.1 Timothy 4:8
A Good Minister of Jesus ChristJ. Brock, D. D.1 Timothy 4:6-10
Counsels to God's ServantsA. Rowland, LL. B.1 Timothy 4:6-10
Guidance of TimothyR. Finlayson 1 Timothy 4:6-10
Nourished in the Words of FaithMemoir of M'Cheyne.1 Timothy 4:6-10
Soul Food1 Timothy 4:6-10
The Advantage of True GodlinessT. Croskery 1 Timothy 4:8, 9
People
Christians, Paul, Timothy
Places
Ephesus
Topics
Bodily, Body, Discipline, Exercise, Giving, Godliness, Holding, Holds, Hope, Piety, Possessing, Present, Profit, Profitable, Profiteth, Promise, Religion, Respect, Train, Training, Useful, Useless, Value
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Timothy 4:8

     4966   present, the
     5136   body
     5387   leisure, pastimes
     5405   medicine
     5465   profit
     5974   value
     6647   eternal life, experience

1 Timothy 4:1-8

     5423   myths

1 Timothy 4:6-16

     7793   teachers

1 Timothy 4:7-8

     5334   health
     5714   men
     6696   necessity
     8476   self-discipline

Library
Spiritual Athletics
'Exercise thyself unto Godliness.'--1 TIM. iv. 7. Timothy seems to have been not a very strong character: sensitive, easily discouraged, and perhaps with a constitutional tendency to indolence. At all events, it is very touching to notice how the old Apostle--a prisoner, soon to be a martyr--forgot all about his own anxieties and burdens, and, through both of his letters to his young helper, gives himself to the task of bracing him up. Thus he says to him, in my text, amongst other trumpet-tongued
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Practice of Piety
The Practice of Piety Directing a Christian How to Walk, that He May Please God. by Lewis Bayly, D.D. Bishop of Bangor (with a biographical preface by Grace Webster) "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Timothy 4:8 Soli Deo Gloria Publications ...for instruction in righteousness... Soli Deo Gloria Publications P.O. Box 451, Morgan, PA 15064 (412) 221-1901/FAX (412) 221-1902 * This edition of The Practice of Piety was taken
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Epistle ii. To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch.
To Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. Gregory to Anastasius, Patriarch of Antioch. I have received the letters of your most sweet Blessedness, which flowed with tears for words. For I saw in them a cloud flying aloft as clouds do; but, though it carried with it a darkness of sorrow, I could not easily discover at its commencement whence it came or whither it was going, since by reason of the darkness I speak of I did not fully understand its origin. Yet it becomes you, most holy ones, ever to recall
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Epistle cxxiii. To Venantius and Italica .
To Venantius and Italica [86] . Gregory to the lord Venantius, Patrician, and Italica his wife. I have taken care, with due affection, to enquire of certain persons who have come from Sicily about your Excellency's health. But they have given me a sad report of the frequency of your ailments. Now, when I say this, neither do I find anything to tell you about myself, except that, for my sins, lo it is now eleven months since it has been a very rare case with me if I have been able now and then to
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Appendix. An Ordination Charge.
I should like to connect what I have to say with a text of Scripture, which you may remember as a motto for this occasion. Take, then, that pastoral exhortation to a young minister in 1 Tim. iv. 16: "Take heed unto thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear thee." There are three subjects recommended in this text to one in your position--first, yourself; second, your doctrine; third, those that hear you. I. Take heed unto
James Stalker—The Preacher and His Models

How Intent the Ruler Ought to be on Meditations in the Sacred Law.
But all this is duly executed by a ruler, if, inspired by the spirit of heavenly fear and love, he meditate daily on the precepts of Sacred Writ, that the words of Divine admonition may restore in him the power of solicitude and of provident circumspection with regard to the celestial life, which familiar intercourse with men continually destroys; and that one who is drawn to oldness of life by secular society may by the aspiration of compunction be ever renewed to love of the spiritual country.
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Grace Before Meat.
O most gracious God, and loving Father, who feedest all creatures living, which depend upon thy divine providence, we beseech thee, sanctify these creatures, which thou hast ordained for us; give them virtue to nourish our bodies in life and health; and give us grace to receive them soberly and thankfully, as from thy hands; that so, in the strength of these and thy other blessings, we may walk in the uprightness of our hearts, before thy face, this day, and all the days of our lives, through Jesus
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Daily Walk with Others (ii. ).
If Jesus Christ thou serve, take heed, Whate'er the hour may be; His brethren are obliged indeed By their nobility. In the present chapter I follow the general principles of the last into some further details. And I place before me as a sort of motto those twice-repeated words of the Apostle, TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF. These words, it will be remembered, are addressed in both places to the Christian Minister. [Acts xx. 28; 1 Tim. iv. 6.] At Miletus St Paul gathers round him the Presbyters of Ephesus,
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

Answer to Mr. W's Fifth Objection.
5. The consideration that none of these raised persons did or could, after the return to their bodies, tell any tales of their separate existence; otherwise the Evangelists had not been silent in this main point, &c. p. 32. None of these persons, Mr. W. says, told any tales of their separate existence. So I suppose with him. As for the two first: How should they? being only, as Mr. W. says, an insignificant boy and girl, of twelve years of age, or thereabouts. Or if they did, the Evangelists were
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Discerning Prayer.
INTRODUCTORY. BY D.W. WHITTLE. To recognize God's existence is to necessitate prayer to Him, by all intelligent creatures, or, a consciously living in sin and under condemnation of conscience, because they do not pray to Him. It would be horrible to admit the existence of a Supreme Being, with power and wisdom to create, and believe that the creatures he thought of consequence and importance enough to bring into existence, are not of enough consequence for him to pay any attention to in the troubles
Various—The Wonders of Prayer

Lastly, Let us Hear the Lord Himself Delivering Most Plain Judgment on this Matter. ...
23. Lastly, let us hear the Lord Himself delivering most plain judgment on this matter. For, upon His speaking after a divine and fearful manner concerning husband and wife not separating, save on account of fornication, His disciples said to Him, "If the case be such with a wife, it is not good to marry." [2066] To whom He saith, "Not all receive this saying. For there are eunuchs who were so born: but there are others who were made by men: and there are eunuchs, who made themselves eunuchs for
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Prefatory Scripture Passages.
To the Law and to the Testimony; if they speak not according to this Word, it is because there is no light in them.-- Isa. viii. 20. Thus saith the Lord; Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.--Jer. vi. 16. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But
G. H. Gerberding—The Way of Salvation in the Lutheran Church

Perfect in Parts, Imperfect in Degrees.
And the very God of peace sanctify, you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Thess. v. 23. The Scriptural doctrine that sanctification is a gradual process perfected only in death must be maintained clearly and soberly: first, in opposition to the Perfectionist, who says that saints may be "wholly sanctified" in this life; secondly, to those who deny the implanting of inherent holy dispositions in God's children.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Clergyman and the Prayer Book.
Dear pages of ancestral prayer, Illumined all with Scripture gold, In you we seem the faith to share Of saints and seers of old. Whene'er in worship's blissful hour The Pastor lends your heart a voice, Let his own spirit feel your power, And answer, and rejoice. In the present chapter I deal a little with the spirit and work of the Clergyman in his ministration of the ordered Services of the Church, reserving the work of the Pulpit for later treatment. THE PRAYER BOOK NOT PERFECT BUT INESTIMABLE.
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

Seed Scattered and Taking Root
'And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 4. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
(JOHN III. 30.) "Where is the lore the Baptist taught, The soul unswerving and the fearless tongue? The much-enduring wisdom, sought By lonely prayer the haunted rocks among? Who counts it gain His light would wane, So the whole world to Jesus throng?" KEBLE. The Moral Greatness of the Baptist--Thoughts on Envy--Christian Consecration--The Baptist's Creed--The Voice of the Beloved From the Jordan Valley our Lord returned to Galilee and Nazareth. The marriage feast of Cana, his return to Jerusalem,
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God," &c. O "seekest thou great things for thyself," says God to Baruch, (Jer. xlv. 5) "seek them not." How then doth he command us in the text to seek a kingdom? Is not this a great thing? Certainly it is greater than those great things he would not have Baruch to seek after, and yet he charges us to seek after it. In every kind of creatures there is some difference, some greater, some lesser, some higher, some lower; so there are some men far above
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Of Matrimony.
It is not only without any warrant of Scripture that matrimony is considered a sacrament, but it has been turned into a mere mockery by the very same traditions which vaunt it as a sacrament. Let us look a little into this. I have said that in every sacrament there is contained a word of divine promise, which must be believed in by him who receives the sign; and that the sign alone cannot constitute a sacrament. Now we nowhere read that he who marries a wife will receive any grace from God; neither
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Free Grace
To The Reader: Nothing but the strongest conviction, not only that what is here advanced is "the truth as it is in Jesus," but also that I am indispensably obliged to declare this truth to all the world, could have induced me openly to oppose the sentiments of those whom I esteem for their work's sake: At whose feet may I be found in the day of the Lord Jesus! Should any believe it his duty to reply hereto, I have only one request to make, -- Let whatsoever you do, be done inherently, in love, and
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death.
This estate has three degrees:--1st, From the day of death to the resurrection; 2d, From the resurrection to the pronouncing of the sentence; 3d, After the sentence, which lasts eternally. As soon as ever the regenerate man hath yielded up his soul to Christ, the holy angels take her into their custody, and immediately carry her into heaven (Luke xvi. 22), and there present her before Christ, where she is crowned with a crown of righteousness and glory; not which she hath deserved by her good works,
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

Third Sunday in Lent
Text: Ephesians 5, 1-9. 1 Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as becometh saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

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