6-7 YOU’VE BEEN RAISED ON THE MESSAGE OF THE FAITH AND HAVE FOLLOWED SOUND TEACHING. NOW PASS ON THIS COUNSEL TO THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS THERE, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. 1 Timothy 4 MSG
Paul was instructing and exhorting his young protege, Timothy, to pass on the Faith and good teaching that he’d received in his own life. Timothy had received a very precious deposit in his early life, which no doubt greatly increased after he met Paul.
5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 2 Timothy 1
It’s a real privilege to receive Godly input in early life, we may not realise how precious it is until we have time to look back, but Paul exhorted Timothy to share his inheritance with those around him.
8-11 Bodily fitness has a certain value, but SPIRITUAL FITNESS IS ESSENTIAL BOTH FOR THIS LIFE AND FOR THE LIFE TO COME. There is no doubt about this at all, and CHRISTIANS SHOULD REMEMBER IT. IT IS BECAUSE WE REALISE THE PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE OF THE SPIRITUAL THAT WE LABOUR AND STRUGGLE. We place our whole confidence in the living God, the saviour of all men, and particularly of those who believe in him. These convictions should be the basis of your instruction and teaching. 1 Timothy 4 PHILIPS
8-10 Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but A DISCIPLINED LIFE IN GOD IS FAR MORE SO, MAKING YOU FIT BOTH TODAY AND FOREVER. YOU CAN COUNT ON THIS. TAKE IT TO HEART. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. 1 Timothy 4 MSG
Paul uses the metaphor of the limited benefits of physical exercise, before emphasising how much greater are the blessings flowing from an inner life grounded in Christ. Physical exercise requires commitment and discipline for temporary benefits, but the benefits of developing our inner spiritual life, will last into eternity. Walking with the Lord will also bring much Favour, Help and Guidance in our present lives here. We serve such a loving and kind Father.
God bless and keep you today.