If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.
Vs. 6 The Apostle Paul now admonishes Timothy to instruct the brethren in all the things he has been teaching him. For in doing so Timothy will be a good minister of Jesus Christ; nourished in words of faith and good doctrine which Timothy has carefully followed. A good Pastor or Bible teacher then will not only hold fast to sound Biblical doctrine, but will make it their duty to instruct those who hear them in all things the Lord Jesus Christ has taught and commanded us directly, and by His Spirit, through His Biblical Apostles. Therefore the decrees contained within the N.T. are incumbent upon all of us who believe regardless of the culture they are given in, or generation in which they are received. For it is by them that we are both nourished in our faith, but also we grow into spiritually mature disciples.
Vs. 7-8 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
And so in holding fast to the truth the Apostle’s exhortation here is to likewise reject the ungodly myths and folklore found in every culture that cannot sanctify ones soul. Yet inevitably some will try to weave their cultures fables, folklore, and or forms of "spirituality" into the faith. Nonetheless we must careful not to let such things is, as if they are "harmless". For if such things are left to take root they will inevitably distort or even supplant the gospels truth (Consider 2 Tim. 4:4; Titus 1:14; Jude 3). And so in the first chapter it was speculations about angels, and miss use of the law (likely coming from Jewish Christians, and or those Gentiles who wanted to appear as "authorities" in the law) that needed to be addressed and stopped. Here it is "profane and old wives fables" that the Apostle is warning Timothy, and us all about. These then likely coming from those in the congregation whose pre-Christian beliefs, superstitions, and or cultures folklore, was not only being propagated amongst the brethren, but also to Timothy himself. Therefore the Apostle Paul commands Timothy to reject all such things, (since a pastor can also be swayed by his congregations miss adventures if he is not aware), especially if these are being "sold" to him that they might positively effect his own well-being. Since Timothy himself was often given to infirmities as the Apostle mentions later, and so Paul tells Timothy there it's okay to use wine medicinally if it helps him with these (1 Tim. 5:23). While here it appears that these were those in Timothy's congregation who were also recommending Timothy begin a stout and heartily exercise regime, which can have bodily benefits, but if these things supplant ones own pursuit of godliness, they would in effect only be neglecting ones soul (vs. 7-8). And so here the Apostle warns Timothy to ascribe no value to those teachings, especially those that supplant the pursuit of Godliness (a Holy Spirit and moral pursuit) with mere exercise as a means to wholeness of person, of both body and spirit. Something that is quite fashionable today as fitness clubs often advertise their products and services as effectuating both body and soul; offering yoga classes and or eastern meditation techniques along with gym workouts. Something that a Christian should steer clear of. For we know the that such things don't affect both body and soul positively, because there is no Holy Spirit regeneration of a person in them, and thus no true life here and now, and no promise of Resurrection life and rewards to come. Which is a Godly motivation for a believers pursuit of Godliness here and now. So that we might attain to our greatest potential and usefulness here and now, and best rewards then (consider 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 2:1-7; 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Now in regards to the natural healing remedies (and eastern medicinal practices) that seem very fashionable these days; yet these often lack the medical evidence to back their claims. A word of caution both for your body and for your spirit. For though the gospel is a holistic message, just remember that "holistic" in today's world is a very broad umbrella, encompassing many beliefs and practices, and thus for believers holistic should be carefully and thoughtfully discerned before one jumps blindly into something called "holistic", lest one fall victim to shysters and or into spiritual perils. Now bodily exercise as the Apostle points out profits a little, “…but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is come.” In so stating then the Apostle Paul is not condemning bodily exercise, which would lead to asceticism, something he staunchly opposes (Col. 2:20-22). Rather he is saying give it a right focus. For to exercise oneself to godliness; that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active pursuit of those attributes that make for Godliness in ones life is far more transforming of both body and soul then mere bodily exercise; for the efforts one puts into Godliness remain forever.
Vs. 9-11 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance." By stating these things the Apostle Paul is positively exhorting Timothy to receive his sayings as being faithful and worthy of all acceptance because they are true. "10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.
Therefore the Apostle Paul is exhorting Timothy to keep his hope and trust in Jesus Christ and serve Him heartily as one who knows Him as his Savior and obeys Him as his Lord. For Jesus Christ is the Savior of all men; that is of all men, women and children everywhere in every generation. Regardless of their nations, cultures, ethnicity's, ancestry's, personal backgrounds, bodily sizes, shapes or colors; intellect or lack thereof, or anything else that one may try to distinguish one as a "better" people by (Rom. 3:23). Therefore the gospel does not need to be amended to suit any person or culture in which it is presented. Since God is not only the Creator of all people, He is the Savior of all people; especially of those who believe, regardless of their culture or background in which they believe. Thus the Apostle is emphasizing that God has a universal agenda to reach all of humanity with the gospel's message by which all men, women and children might be saved when they believe (Eph. 1:13-14). For it is God’s Spirit given to us through faith in Jesus Christ by which we receive not only the strength and abilities for whatever purposes he wants us to serve Him in here and now, but most importantly life, eternal and everlasting. The Lord Jesus’ said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 That is why the Apostle Paul both laboured and suffered reproach, because his hope and trust was in the Living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. For that is the gospels universal purpose; the salvation of everyone who repents and believes, and thus receives the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done to save them from sin and death and the judgment to come on all those who don't. Now the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished this salvation for us all by His own life, death, Resurrection from dead, and ascension back to heaven. All that needs to be done is for people to believe and obey Him. That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Therefore the Apostle Paul reiterates what he has being instructing Timothy on, Timothy must likewise command and teach, and so must you and I if we wish to be faithful servants of God.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
Vs. 6 The Apostle Paul now admonishes Timothy to instruct the brethren in all the things he has been teaching him. For in doing so Timothy will be a good minister of Jesus Christ; nourished in words of faith and good doctrine which Timothy has carefully followed. A good Pastor or Bible teacher then will not only hold fast to sound Biblical doctrine, but will make it their duty to instruct those who hear them in all things the Lord Jesus Christ has taught and commanded us directly, and by His Spirit, through His Biblical Apostles. Therefore the decrees contained within the N.T. are incumbent upon all of us who believe regardless of the culture they are given in, or generation in which they are received. For it is by them that we are both nourished in our faith, but also we grow into spiritually mature disciples.
Vs. 7-8 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
And so in holding fast to the truth the Apostle’s exhortation here is to likewise reject the ungodly myths and folklore found in every culture that cannot sanctify ones soul. Yet inevitably some will try to weave their cultures fables, folklore, and or forms of "spirituality" into the faith. Nonetheless we must careful not to let such things is, as if they are "harmless". For if such things are left to take root they will inevitably distort or even supplant the gospels truth (Consider 2 Tim. 4:4; Titus 1:14; Jude 3). And so in the first chapter it was speculations about angels, and miss use of the law (likely coming from Jewish Christians, and or those Gentiles who wanted to appear as "authorities" in the law) that needed to be addressed and stopped. Here it is "profane and old wives fables" that the Apostle is warning Timothy, and us all about. These then likely coming from those in the congregation whose pre-Christian beliefs, superstitions, and or cultures folklore, was not only being propagated amongst the brethren, but also to Timothy himself. Therefore the Apostle Paul commands Timothy to reject all such things, (since a pastor can also be swayed by his congregations miss adventures if he is not aware), especially if these are being "sold" to him that they might positively effect his own well-being. Since Timothy himself was often given to infirmities as the Apostle mentions later, and so Paul tells Timothy there it's okay to use wine medicinally if it helps him with these (1 Tim. 5:23). While here it appears that these were those in Timothy's congregation who were also recommending Timothy begin a stout and heartily exercise regime, which can have bodily benefits, but if these things supplant ones own pursuit of godliness, they would in effect only be neglecting ones soul (vs. 7-8). And so here the Apostle warns Timothy to ascribe no value to those teachings, especially those that supplant the pursuit of Godliness (a Holy Spirit and moral pursuit) with mere exercise as a means to wholeness of person, of both body and spirit. Something that is quite fashionable today as fitness clubs often advertise their products and services as effectuating both body and soul; offering yoga classes and or eastern meditation techniques along with gym workouts. Something that a Christian should steer clear of. For we know the that such things don't affect both body and soul positively, because there is no Holy Spirit regeneration of a person in them, and thus no true life here and now, and no promise of Resurrection life and rewards to come. Which is a Godly motivation for a believers pursuit of Godliness here and now. So that we might attain to our greatest potential and usefulness here and now, and best rewards then (consider 1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 2:1-7; 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Now in regards to the natural healing remedies (and eastern medicinal practices) that seem very fashionable these days; yet these often lack the medical evidence to back their claims. A word of caution both for your body and for your spirit. For though the gospel is a holistic message, just remember that "holistic" in today's world is a very broad umbrella, encompassing many beliefs and practices, and thus for believers holistic should be carefully and thoughtfully discerned before one jumps blindly into something called "holistic", lest one fall victim to shysters and or into spiritual perils. Now bodily exercise as the Apostle points out profits a little, “…but godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is and of that which is come.” In so stating then the Apostle Paul is not condemning bodily exercise, which would lead to asceticism, something he staunchly opposes (Col. 2:20-22). Rather he is saying give it a right focus. For to exercise oneself to godliness; that is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active pursuit of those attributes that make for Godliness in ones life is far more transforming of both body and soul then mere bodily exercise; for the efforts one puts into Godliness remain forever.
Vs. 9-11 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance." By stating these things the Apostle Paul is positively exhorting Timothy to receive his sayings as being faithful and worthy of all acceptance because they are true. "10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.
Therefore the Apostle Paul is exhorting Timothy to keep his hope and trust in Jesus Christ and serve Him heartily as one who knows Him as his Savior and obeys Him as his Lord. For Jesus Christ is the Savior of all men; that is of all men, women and children everywhere in every generation. Regardless of their nations, cultures, ethnicity's, ancestry's, personal backgrounds, bodily sizes, shapes or colors; intellect or lack thereof, or anything else that one may try to distinguish one as a "better" people by (Rom. 3:23). Therefore the gospel does not need to be amended to suit any person or culture in which it is presented. Since God is not only the Creator of all people, He is the Savior of all people; especially of those who believe, regardless of their culture or background in which they believe. Thus the Apostle is emphasizing that God has a universal agenda to reach all of humanity with the gospel's message by which all men, women and children might be saved when they believe (Eph. 1:13-14). For it is God’s Spirit given to us through faith in Jesus Christ by which we receive not only the strength and abilities for whatever purposes he wants us to serve Him in here and now, but most importantly life, eternal and everlasting. The Lord Jesus’ said: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” John 6:63 That is why the Apostle Paul both laboured and suffered reproach, because his hope and trust was in the Living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. For that is the gospels universal purpose; the salvation of everyone who repents and believes, and thus receives the Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done to save them from sin and death and the judgment to come on all those who don't. Now the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished this salvation for us all by His own life, death, Resurrection from dead, and ascension back to heaven. All that needs to be done is for people to believe and obey Him. That is what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Therefore the Apostle Paul reiterates what he has being instructing Timothy on, Timothy must likewise command and teach, and so must you and I if we wish to be faithful servants of God.
Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982
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