God’s Gym: Exercising for Godliness

Often we wait until we have a health scare to motivate us to get into shape, so we as believers often put off disciplining ourselves to godliness until difficulties come. God has supplied everything in His Word for our spiritual health. Let’s examine God’s precepts for godliness in I Timothy 4:7-8.

1. The Precept to Exercise in God’s Gym (1 Timothy 4:7)

• “Discipline”
- It’s the Greek word “γυμνός” from which we get our English word “gymnasium.”
- It could properly be read “'gymnasticize,' exercise, work out, train yourself for godliness.”

• This precept involves:
- Disregarding anything that hinders godliness (Ephesians 4:20-22; Hebrews 12:1)
- Devoting all energies towards godliness (1 Timothy 4:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:15, 6:22)
- Desperately relying on God’s grace for godliness (2 Timothy 2:1; 2 Peter 3:18)

2. The Person to Exercise in God’s Gym (I Timothy 4:7)

• “Yourself” – Your own self
- This is your responsibility.
- No one can do this for you.

3. The Purpose of Exercising in God’s Gym (1 Timothy 4:7)

• “Godliness”
- It’s piety towards God; holiness. (1 Peter 1:14-18)
- The synonym for godliness is Christ-likeness.
- The purpose of exercise is to look like Christ!
- The purpose of exercise is to glorify Christ!

4. The Profit of Exercising in God’s Gym (I Timothy 4:8)

• It’s the promise of a present profit.
- You attract people to Christ.
- Your life and testimony bring glory to God.

• You have the promise of a future reward.
> You will be rewarded for your spiritual exercise. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15; James 1:12)
> You will be relieved from your spiritual struggles. (2 Thessalonians 1:4-7)