Today we’ll look at 1 Timothy 4: 6-10:

⁶ If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness, ⁸ for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and suffer reproach, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

This is a passage that I’ve always liked. It’s interesting to think about training.  We always think about physical training.  We have gyms. We work out.  We download apps.  We watch videos. We work, we train. We want to be physically fit.  

Physical training is a good thing.  No doubt. 

But Paul tells us that we are to train ourselves in godliness.  This is even more important than physical training.  Train yourself in faithfulness.  Goodness. Mercy.  The fruits of the spirit. Work at it.  

I preached Sunday about the part we play in our spiritual growth.  We have a part to play; we must respond to God’s offer of grace.  You want to read your Bible more?  You have to read it. 

You want to be more plugged into the church?  You have to go. 

You want to make a difference? You have to serve. 

We don’t become a disciple just wanting it or wishing it would happen.  We have to do our part. We have a part to play. We have work to do. We have to train ourselves.  Our faith doesn’t just magically grow. We have to be faithful.  We have to exercise our muscles.  We have to do our part.  

Train yourself today in godliness. Do your part. And God will always be faithful. And will always do His. 

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