For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
1 Timothy 4:8
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Amazing isn't how when you look around how much emphasis people put on exercise of their physical body. Now let me go ahead and say there is nothing wrong that as I'm sure God would expect us to take care of it. The point I wish to address is the one Paul was talking about in this verse as he was writing to Timothy. So what is godliness? When you think of godliness words that are associated are righteousness and holiness. As we know on our own, our righteousness is as filthy rags( Isaiah 64:6 ). To me godliness is a continuous lifestyle continuing to conform yourself to His image( Romans 12:1-2 ). I know I won't be perfect this side of heaven, but this very fact motivates me to seek Him more. It motivates me to ask Him where do I need improvement?
Godliness is in fact spiritual maturity and yes that is profitable in all things. For as Christians we should be growing daily. How is this done? This is done by three main ways. One through reading His Word. God has given us not a weapon against the enemy,but a wealth of knowledge for all things. How sad is it that we turn to everything else for problems in our life. Amazing that if someone needs joy or satisfaction they turn to drugs, alcohol, or pornography. Friends if they want true and lasting joy, contentment, and satisfaction all they need to do is open the Word of God. Believe me it is sufficient. Another way is through prayer. Prayer is our direct communication to the Father. Friends it amazes how many 1-800 and 1-900 there are for multiple problems people have. Instead of dialing that number why not pick up the Heavenly hot line and speak to God the Father who is always and always able to answer all your questions. He is never too busy and is there whenever you need Him. The third is through fellowship with your brothers an sisters in Christ at church. This is a wonderful way to grow and to mature in the faith. Find a brother or sister with a heart for God. Find someone who is wise not by their own understanding,but trust in the Lord completely( Proverbs 3:5-6 ).
Friends seek godliness as the Apostle Paul said it is profitable unto all things. The Christian life is not just for Sunday,but is everyday, from the moment you pass from death unto life( John 5:24 ). Live a life worthy of calling( Ephesians 4:1 ). We owe it to Him for our life according to His Word( 1 Corinthians 9:14 ) is not our own as we have been bought with a price( 1 Corinthians 6:20 ).
For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts, and fears at the His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways, your sins and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him ? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 ) !
God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><
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