I Timothy 4:6-16
Dear RTB’ers,
Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. (vv. 7-8) I asked a question several days ago from my teen and early-20s years: “Will I get to Heaven?” That’s a question on so many hearts and minds today – is the life that I am currently living worthy of eternal life with Jesus. When I arrive at St. Peter’s Gate, will Jesus be there to welcome me in or will I be turned away into the fires of Hell? A fearful thought, certainly, but a question still abiding in probably billions of “nominal” Christians.
I no longer ask that question; I am confident of my eternal security, but that’s another item. My focus turns now to only a few words in verse 8 above: godliness is of value … as it holds promise for the present life. Too many people asking the “Heaven” question don’t realize the changes in our present lives that Jesus offers when we accept His Lordship in our lives. It was in our Men’s Group here at St. Andrew’s that I first heard of the twin concepts of “salvation and sanctification”. I knew of the concepts, but I had never seen them expressed so concisely, side-by-side. Sanctification is that promise for the present life. Our current lives are dramatically changed when we see Jesus as our Lord and not just as our Savior. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20) Or Paul’s famous words from Philippians, “To live is Christ, to die is gain (Philippians 1:21 – then continue for another five verses). Yes, folks, godliness … holds promise for the present life. Pursue it.
Blessings!
See also: December 21 (2023) / I Timothy