1 Timothy 4:7-9 -- Training for eternity

To catch up on our adventure through 1 Timothy, click here and read from the bottom post up.

1 Timothy 4:7-9 (NIV) :

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. [8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

"[9] This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance"

The first part of verse 7 continues the thought of verse 6. Timothy is to focus on "the truths of the faith" and "the good teaching" that he has followed, and have "nothing to do with godless [profane] myths and old wives' tales." (See also 1 Timothy 1:4; 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16.)

Instead of profane myths and old wives' tales, he is to train himself to be godly. Paul often uses athletic analogies to talk about spiritual discipline. (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 for another great example.) Here the Greek word for "train yourself" is transliterated gymnaze, from which we get the word gymnasium.

(Side note: Paul does not speak against physical "training" (gymnasia = exercise), but says it has "some value." Sorry, this verse is not an excuse to not exercise!)

Paul says that training in godliness adds value both to this short life here on earth and to our eternity in heaven.

In contrast to physical training, spiritual training somehow prepares us for eternity and translates into heaven.

Another way to look at this verse is this: Some people just decide that they are waiting for heaven and don't see any need for working on this present life. But their life here on earth could be so much better if they focused on spiritual discipline.

Jesus didn't come into your life just to give you "fire insurance." He came to bring you an abundant, full, joyful life here on earth as well!

(Footnote: Verse 9 actually refers back to verse 8, not forward to verse 10 as the NIV seems to imply.)