1 Timothy 4:7–8

[For the first three posts in this series, click here, here, and here.]

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

The Context

Timothy was a gifted young man entrusted with the large task of leading the church in Ephesus, a congregation in need of correction (1:3–7). While his youth had become a point of tension with some of the elder churchmen, Paul wrote to encourage and empower the young man of God (4:12–16). In an effort to counteract the affects of false teaching that had seeped its way into the church, the apostle Paul coaches Timothy, a minister of the Word, to continually pursue sound doctrine with intensity and intentionality.

The Passage

Paul begins by forcefully instructing Timothy to “have nothing to do with” (see also 2 Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:10) worthless, gospel-contradicting “myths” or “fables” (4:7a). In the immediate context, these myths are the teachings of the false teachers whom had found their way to the inner circles of the Ephesian congregation. They were teaching fairy-tales, and the apostle was imploring Timothy to have no part in that destructive, useless chatter.

Instead of humoring the myths of the false teachers, Paul admonishes his young protege to spend time in a more productive manner—training for godliness (4:7b). This training can also be rendered to undergo discipline (consider Hebrews 12:11) and unavoidably carries along with it athletic imagery.

Athlete preparation for competition involves focused, intentional, rigorous effort for the purpose of specific, not general, improvements. Elite athletes train in ways that best address the specific demands of their individual events. For example, a sprinter spends less time training her ability to jump high than she does her ability to run fast. Timothy’s event is godliness and he is encouraged to train accordingly. A focus on developing a consistently right attitude and response toward God exposes the fictitious nature of silly myths.

In the Ephesian church heretics were apparently peddling a form of asceticism, separating the physical from the spiritual, and teaching that the body could be controlled through rigorous self-denial (think, physical training). While Paul concedes that the training of the body is not void of value, its temporal worth is eclipsed by the unlimited worth of spiritual training (4:8; compare with Galatians 5:16–24). As one author notes:

Spiritual ends can be achieved only by spiritual men who employ spiritual methods.

 J. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership, 40.

Stated otherwise, an effective ministry stems from an overflow of a godly life. In the midst of a hostile ministry, Paul implores Timothy to thoughtfully train himself to grow in an area of life that is eternal (i.e. godliness) rather than temporal (i.e. physical).

Athletes train to do things that are unnatural. Left to themselves, human beings are unable to run a 10-second 100-meter dash, throw a 100-mph fastball, and lift 500 pounds over their heads. These are not abilities that are natural. However, with discipline, focus, and good coaching, they are accomplished all around the world on a daily basis.

Similarly, godliness is not something that comes naturally to humanity (not since the fall, anyway!). However, with intentional training, discipline, and the Holy Spirit, Paul encourages believers that it can be accomplished for the glory of God.

The Principle

Rather than focusing on the falsities of this world and striving for temporal success, believers must discipline themselves in the pursuit of godliness.

The Application

Paul is not concerned with the nature of athletic competition beyond its use as a conduit for truth. In fact, his near-dismissal of the advantageous nature of physical training in comparison to spiritual training intentionally minimizes athletics. Kept in perspective, the training of the body is minimally beneficial.

Today, our culture is saturated with concern for the human body—training it, mastering it, using it, exploiting it, showcasing it, perfecting it. Proper perspective must be kept. Where is our effort being spent? Are we being more intentional with our physical training than we are our pursuit of godliness?