A YOUNG CHRISTIAN LEADER, Dr. Samuel Lee
TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY
Passage: 1Timothy 4:1~8  
Key verse: 7b,8
4 The Spirit(A) clearly says that in later times(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits(C) and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(D) 3 They forbid people to marry(E) and order them to abstain from certain foods,(F) which God created(G) to be received with thanksgiving(H) by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good,(I) and nothing is to be rejected(J) if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God(K) and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith(L) and of the good teaching that you have followed.(M) 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(N) rather, train yourself to be godly.(O) 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(P) holding promise for both the present life(Q) and the life to come.(R)
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.
Cross references
- 1 Timothy 4:1 : Jn 16:13; S Ac 8:29; 1Co 2:10
- 1 Timothy 4:1 : 2Ti 3:1; 2Pe 3:3
- 1 Timothy 4:1 : S Mk 13:5
- 1 Timothy 4:2 : Eph 4:19
- 1 Timothy 4:3 : Heb 13:4
- 1 Timothy 4:3 : Col 2:16
- 1 Timothy 4:3 : Ge 1:29; 9:3
- 1 Timothy 4:3 : ver 4; Ro 14:6; 1Co 10:30
- 1 Timothy 4:4 : Ge 1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31; Mk 7:18, 19; Ro 14:14-18
- 1 Timothy 4:4 : S Ac 10:15
- 1 Timothy 4:5 : S Heb 4:12
- 1 Timothy 4:6 : 1Ti 1:10
- 1 Timothy 4:6 : 2Ti 3:15
- 1 Timothy 4:7 : 1Ti 1:4; 2Ti 2:16
- 1 Timothy 4:7 : S 1Ti 2:2
- 1 Timothy 4:8 : 1Ti 6:6
- 1 Timothy 4:8 : Ps 37:9, 11; Pr 22:4; Mt 6:33; Mk 10:29, 30
- 1 Timothy 4:8 : Mk 10:29, 30
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Everything God created is good (1-5)
We live in the times Paul warned Timothy about. Some abandon the faith and follow the teachings of hypocritical liars whose consciences are dead. False asceticism is not godliness. But it sometimes appeals to sincere people who do not know God's way. The Bible teaches that God created a good world and gave us good gifts to be enjoyed with thankful hearts.
2. Godliness has value for all things (7-8)
We should not be fooled by godless men who say and do things that sound good. A godly man has God's spirit in his heart. He knows and loves Jesus. We must not listen to godless men. We must train ourselves to be godly by prayer, Bible study and obedience. Our thought world must be under Christ's control. Training in godliness requires effort, just as physical training requires effort and discipline. Godliness has value now and forever.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the good world you made for us. Help me to train myself to be godly.
One Word: Train yourself to be godly