May 29th
6 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. 7But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8For 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. 1 Timothy 4:6-8 NKJV
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV
How would you like to have something that would profit you in every aspect of your life? It seems that our world is awash with miracle vitamins, wonder diet plans, age-defying creams and other things that are designed to enhance or preserve our bodies. Some of these work well for awhile, but inevitably, our bodies aren’t going to last.
Paul explained to Timothy that “godliness” is profitable for all things in both our present life and the life to come. Though our physical bodies are headed downhill, our souls are to be engaged in an ongoing renewal process via the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 NIV). When we exercise ourselves toward godliness, we maximize the inner renewal work of the Holy Spirit.
How do we “exercise” ourselves toward godliness? This is basically done by cooperating with the Holy Spirit in bringing every area of our lives under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Most of the New Testament contains specific instructions on how to do this. Through daily Bible study and the teachings in our local church, we can be “nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine.” Just like the manna provided physical sustenance for the Israelites in the desert, the word of God gives us spiritual sustenance that will overflow into every area of our lives. When we put the scriptures to action in our lives, by applying them and obeying them, we will become more and more like Jesus.
Questions for further thought:
How can what we look at affect what we think about?
How will an “eternal mindset” (instead of a carnal mindset) help us in the pursuit of godliness? (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Are you being properly “nourished” in the word daily?
What are some practical things you can do to pursue godliness each day?
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, thank you for making it possible for me to pursue godliness through the Holy Spirit. I desire to become more like you in every way each day. Please help me to shift my mindset to an eternal mindset with you at the center. Please show me how I can maximize my pursuit of godliness each day and strengthen me to obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”