Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Paul exhorts his young protégé in the faith, Timothy, to “train himself for godliness” by setting an example for the churches he is called to shepherd.

What is this passage teaching?

As Timothy planted churches, established elders, and shepherded congregations, Paul encouraged him to “train yourself in godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7). Godliness is a demonstration of Christlikeness – it is both right belief and right behavior. A godly person asks the question: “How does the reality that Jesus has risen from the dead impact how I live my life today?” Some avenues of godliness Paul mentions are the public reading of Scripture, exhortation, teaching, prophecy, and prayer. Paul stresses to Timothy: “practice these things, immerse yourself in them” (1 Timothy 4:15). Like Israel, God wants new covenant believers to immerse themselves in things that bring them closer to Him. Training in godliness will require some spiritual sweat and consistent discipline, but it will be valuable in every way (1 Timothy 4:8).

How do I respond?

It is worth noting the outcome of training in godliness: “Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers” (4:16). Cultivating a life of godliness is not about simply living better, but about showing and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. When you persist in discipline and godliness, the outcome of your faithfulness is that others will come to know Jesus. How are spiritual disciplines like training or working out? How can you better strengthen your disciplines to better reach the world around you?