Young People's Group

Godliness is Profitable for All Things

by Mitchell Tan
December 09, 2016

BELIEVING AND APPLYING TRUTH

It is one thing to understand a truth. It is quite another to believe in it and to apply it to one’s life. The apostle Paul had been teaching Timothy about the great spiritual worth of godliness.

“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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”
1 Timothy 4:8-9

Godliness is truly profitable for all things with reference to this life. Firstly, this statement is trustworthy. Secondly, this statement is worthy to be fully accepted. We can most certainly believe in this truth that Paul sought to establish.

WORKING TOWARDS THIS GOAL OF GODLINESS

“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.”
1 Timothy 4:10

Paul was very focused on cultivating godliness in his life. There was a great sense of purpose in seeking to achieve this goal.

1. THE MEANS TO GODLINESS – SPARING NO EFFORT

Paul did not spare any effort in labouring much to fulfil this goal. There was that continuous effort in striving and struggling with faith to go forward despite what circumstances he had to face. He worked really hard and even suffered reproach in order to be devoted to the Lord.

2. THE REASON FOR SEEKING GODLINESS – SETTING OUR HOPE IN THE LIVING GOD

It was this tremendous sense of hope and trust in a living God that drove him to labour hard for godliness. Why do we place our hope in the Lord God?

A. GENERAL ASPECT – GOD IS THE SAVIOUR OF ALL MEN

It is because God wants to save all men. It is His desire for all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). There is God’s promise of eternal life for all.

B. SPECIFIC ASPECT – HE IS THE SAVIOUR OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE

The Lord God is especially the Saviour of those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus. This was something very personal to Paul. Because He is our God and Saviour, our endeavour in being godly is worth every effort.

“THESE THINGS” TO BE TAUGHT

“These things command and teach.”
1 Timothy 4:11

Lessons on godliness and other truths made up a body of truths that were meant to be taught by Timothy. These were lessons that Paul had taught to Timothy from Chapters 1 to 4. Timothy was meant to instruct the brethren in “these things” (1 Timothy 4:6). They were meant to be commanded and taught by servants of God. Today, our pastors are also committed to commanding and teaching these truths. Young people, let’s learn “these things” well, submit to them, and obey them.

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