August 6
“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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,” 1 Timothy 4:8-9.
“Bodily exercise profits a little.” These words from the pen of the apostle Paul must be read carefully in context. The apostle is not discouraging or downplaying the importance of physical exercise. Indeed, physical exercise is very important, and necessary to have and maintain a healthy body. We were not created just to sit around and do little or nothing.
To understand what the apostle is saying, we must note that Paul is speaking of two things by comparison – bodily exercise as compared to godliness. Bodily exercise will result in blessings only for the body and for this life. Godliness is profitable and brings blessings for both body and soul for this life and for the life that is to come. By comparison, the one is of little value, while the other has great value for time and eternity. This is the thought summarized in the entire expression: “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.”
We might have and enjoy a healthy body for a few or many years, but ultimately this body will die and lie silently in a grave. By comparison, the soul never dies. And the soul that lives in godliness has the “promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
What is expressed in the word, “godliness”? We are living in godliness when we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior. This is saving faith. We come humbly and penitently into the presence of our gracious God. We believe that God so loved us that He sent His only Son into the world and that by His life and death He redeemed us. Jesus fulfilled all of the demands for our salvation. He lived the perfect life in our place and fulfilled the demands of God’s Law. He took all our sins upon Himself and carried them to Calvary’s cross where He sacrificed Himself to take away our sins. In Scripture, we are assured, “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin,” 1 John 1:7. Indeed, He died!
However, we do not have a dead Savior! On the third day, He rose from the grave, having conquered sin, death, and the devil for all people. Now we have God’s promises for this life and for the life to come. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” The truths that Paul reports rest upon God’s faithfulness. As His Word states, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:9. “(God) remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself,” 2 Timothy 2:13. And we accept God’s faithfulness by faith. We believe and trust His Word of grace revealed in Christ Jesus.
“O God, Thou faithful God,
Thou Fountain ever flowing,
Who good and perfect gifts
In mercy art bestowing,
Give me a healthy frame,
And may I have within
A conscience free from blame,
A soul unhurt by sin!
Grant Thou me strength to do,
With ready heart and willing,
Whate’er Thou shalt command,
My calling here fulfilling;
To do it when I ought,
With all my might, and bless
The work I thus have wrought,
For Thou must give success.” Amen.