The Exercise of Godliness

"But reject profane and old wives’ fables and exercise yourself toward 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." These words from 1 Timothy 4:7-8 teach us that godly living takes work. But that effort is worth it. Not only in the life to come but in our lives on earth. How then do we exercise toward godliness?

We exercise godliness through the Study of God’s Word. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:15 to "…study to show yourself approved…" It is only through study of the Bible that we come to know God (1 John 2:3-4). It is through study and obedience that we show our love for Christ (John 14:15). It is through study that we are able to live worthy of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27). It is through study that we overcome temptation and sin (Psalm 119:10-12). It is through study that we find our hope (Hebrews 6:19).

We exercise toward godliness through Meditation. Meditations means to attend to or to practice. Paul exhorted Timothy to meditate (1 Timothy 4:15). In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul lists those things that are proper to think about (Philippians 4:8). Meditation on the work of God will enable us to teach of God (Psalm 77:11-12). Meditation helps us to understand the loving kindness of the Lord (Psalm 107:43). Jesus thought it important to be alone to meditate and pray (Matthew 15:23, John 5:15).

We exercise toward godliness through Worship. In John 4:24 Jesus said, "God is spirit, and those that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." Worship is both a means and expression of godliness. We must be godly to worship acceptably. We are to examine ourselves when we worship (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Proper worship will help develop godliness. Vain worship will develop vain spiritual lives (Matthew 15:8-9).

What or who does godliness profit? Godliness profits All Races (Romans 2:11, Acts 10:34-35). Godliness profits All Ages (Ephesians 6:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:22, Psalm 71:18). Godliness profits Both Genders (Ephesians 5:21-25, 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Titus 2:4-5). Godliness profits All Income Brackets (1 Timothy 6:6-7, James 1:9-11).

How does godliness profit us? Physically (Proverbs 3:1-2, 9:11, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Mentally (Matthew 15:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:14-16). Emotionally (Matthew 6:33-34, John 14:1-6, Hebrews 13:5).

How is your spiritual exercise program? Are we more concerned with the physical or the spiritual? Let us all endeavor to exercise ourselves toward godliness.

~ Greg Neill