Page 56 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

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have followed. Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather,
train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has
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value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This
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is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and
strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people,
and especially of those who believe.
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11 Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you
are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith
and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to
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preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through
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prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see
your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you
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do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

In contrast to the false teachers, the good teachers are followers of Jesus and they
adhere to correct / true doctrine. We teach it to others as we lift high the name of Jesus

and we discipline ourselves to be a model for godly living.

7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to
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be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Physical training is limited to just that – the physical dimensions of life. Godliness on the other hand,
penetrates every aspect of life. Godliness affects everything: our view of self, marriage, parenting,
work, business, community responsibilities, the way we care for the environment, the way we treat
and interact with our neighbors. Nothing escapes godliness; it covers everything.

The Greek word used in 1 Timothy 4:7-8 which is translated into English as train is
the word gumnazo or gumnadzo. It is where we get the English word
gymnasium.

In the same way that being in a gymnasium involves hard work - the type of
training Paul is talking about is also hard work. Becoming a mature follower of
Jesus is not easy.
Identify some of the qualities that you have observed as evident in any man or woman who is a
mature believer – with scripture references.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Bible reading, church attendance, personal devotions, prayer, concern for
other people, calm spirit, tithing, loves his wife, loves her husband, cares for
his/her children, etc.
10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who
is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.
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