Train Yourself for Godliness

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Scripture • World English Bible

1 Timothy 4:6–10

WEB

⁶If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

⁷But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.

⁸For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come.

⁹This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

¹⁰For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain

Reflection

Paul tells Timothy to refuse worthless myths and to "exercise yourself toward godliness." He compares bodily training—which has some benefit—to the lasting value of spiritual training. That’s a call to steady, intentional practice. Faith grows by habits: Scripture nourishes the mind; prayer aligns the heart; community tests and refines the conscience. Training for godliness isn’t a one-time decision but repeated, humble actions that shape character. It’s not legalism—Paul insists our trust is in the living God—but neither is it passive. Expect effort, occasional reproach, and seasons of weariness. Persist anyway. Real strength is formed by small, regular obedience and by investing in others so faith multiplies.

Putting Faith Into Action

Schedule three 20-minute sessions this week to read a short passage, pray, and write one specific way you’ll apply it (start with the verses Paul gave Timothy).
Choose one physical habit (running, gym, push-ups, sports) and commit to it for 8 weeks as a discipline that strengthens perseverance; treat missed days honestly and resume without shame.
Find one younger or new believer to meet weekly for twelve weeks to teach, model, and encourage simple spiritual practices: Scripture reading, prayer, and faithful church involvement.

Prayer

Father, help me treat godliness like a discipline, not a checklist. Give me the self-control to show up—read, pray, and obey—when it’s hard. Teach me to persevere without pride and to shepherd someone younger in the faith with patience and truth. Use my steady efforts to point others to Jesus, the living God and Savior. Amen.

Memory Verse

1 Timothy 4:8 — For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come. (WEB)

“For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come.”

Keep Going Continue to Part 12 Set the Example: Live What You Teach 1 Timothy · 1 Timothy 4:11–16 Read the next devotional →

Bible Context

Read all of 1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4

World English Bible • WEB

¹But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

²through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron,

³forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

⁴For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.

⁵For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

⁶If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

⁷But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.

⁸For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now and of that which is to come.

⁹This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

¹⁰For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

¹¹Command and teach these things.

¹²Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

¹³Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.

¹⁴Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

¹⁵Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

¹⁶Pay attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.