1 Timothy 4:7-8 7But reject worthless myths of old women. But train yourself in godliness; 8for training of the body is only a little profitable, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it has promise of life now and the life which is coming.
Paul returns to the subject of false teachers in the form of a warning to Timothy not to be deceived and caught up in the same type of activities. Specifically, he must reject (paraitou), repudiate, and avoid the myths that the false teachers dabbled in. These myths are worthless (bebēlous), a word which means something worldly, ungodly, or total lack of anything sacred and divine. These myths were human inventions and as far from God and the truth as they could be. They old granny stories that old gossipy women tell to one another. Paul warning puts what the opponents were doing in the worst possible and derogatory way.
In contrast, Timothy’s life needed to be one of discipline in godliness. The word for train (gymnaze) is brought over into English with gymnasium, the place for exercise and strengthening. Disciplining the body through exercise and hard work has many benefits, including better health and clearer thinking. Since this is true, then just think about much more important it is to discipline the soul for spiritual and eternal matters. This athletic image should inspire Timothy to watch how he lived.
The key word in these verses is godliness (eusebeia). This is an important word in this letter (2:2; 3:16; 6:3, 5, 6) and one of the important character qualities for all believers, especially those who set an example as leaders. Godliness is living a holy lifestyle in reverence, respect, and fear of God. It begins with faith in Christ and should be evident to others by Christlike living. Godliness does not happen accidentally but requires faithful obedience and commitment to the truth of the gospel. Godliness improves our life now and provides a better quality of living, though this is no guarantee of wealth or health. It results from living out the fruits of the Spirit in everyday types of activities. But even more so, living a godly life will impact our eternity. The final goal for all people is to have eternal life. Pursuing and developing godliness shows that the eternal life of God’s kingdom is breaking into the present time.
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