1st Timothy 4:8. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” BODILY EXERCISE. I hear them in the morning while it is still dark – It seems like the heavy uphill run is giving pain. But to them, it seems it is worth it, running even in the rain The result they hope to gain, they say, is a stronger heart.
Everything is physical, for their body is their main concern – The pressure put on themselves is to look good. They refuse to eat what is normally good food – Determined to eat certain things that calories burn.
Physical fitness and the beauty of a body that is trim – Can take a lot of time to keep in tone. It won’t be very long until youthful years are done – And the strength of youth has passed with naught for Him.
Some things are only temporary, and others last for ever – We need to give heed to things that count. What will give God glory? What is the best amount – Of effort and time should I give to my endeavor?
The time it takes to be godly is not some passing glance, At a verse of scripture or prayer of a sentence of one or two. The soul needs to be fed; some truth gotten through – To be godly isn’t the result of happenstance.
Bodily exercise is fine, but it is not the reason for living – There are other things of much higher priority. Temporal things are fleeting, eternal things we do not see – Those are the things to which our attention we should be giving.
“I thank Thee Father God, for good health. I know I should exercise more in a physical way, but I find my joy in Thy Word. I can see lots of evidence of Thyself when walking down the street or in the woods, but I learn about Thee from Thy Word. Help me keep the right perspective on life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
God is not limited in any way like we are. In spite of the characteristics of the latter times, we receive counsel from those God has raised up, and with caution, knowing our limitations, we press on with confidence, at the same time knowing that the commandments we have been given to pass on are with His divine authority behind them. He is the "Savior of all men." No one would survive if it wasn't for God's gracious provisions. No one can live apart from the life He gives. The salvation of our souls is a blessing He gives to those who believe in Him. This teaching is not to be ignored or casually dealt with and taught without urgency. There is divine authority behind this teaching, and it must be told by those who have been given this charge.