Training Day

1 Timothy 4:7-8

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

When Paul sent his letter to Timothy, his spiritual son, he included some rich counsel. His deep concern for Timothy is evident. He tells Timothy to “exercise toward godliness”. Paul makes it clear that this type of exercise will be far more beneficial to Timothy than physical training.

So what’s the big deal? Why is it important to exercise toward godliness? I think the benefits are laced throughout Paul’s letters included in the New Testament, but I can think of three.

First, training for godliness establishes a clear direction for my life. It displays my intention to move in a particular direction. In 1 Timothy 4:7, Paul instructs Timothy to reject profane doctrines and teachings. Rejection is a type of withdrawal. It indicates movement away from something. In the same way, Paul encourages Timothy to move toward godliness. My life always has a direction. I am either moving toward Christ or toward things that distract me from Christ.

Second, training presupposes a goal or purpose. Paul has made the goal clear. God’s plan for me is to become more like Jesus. I will become more like Jesus when I exercise toward godliness. Paul uses a physical term to emphasis a purposeful investment of time and energy for a purpose. Christlikeness is the purpose.

Finally, training for godliness reminds me of my personal participation in God’s plan. I cannot disengage from exercise and expect to benefit. I participate in the process. I recognize the challenge. It is not always easy to choose the right direction over the wrong. Sometimes godliness requires me to swim against a strong cultural current. Resistance builds endurance. God is my source of strength. His grace makes it possible. But, I am fully alive in my pursuit of what is pleasing to God.

Double Vision

But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

Never underestimate God’s vision. It’s a message that emerges from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Paul describes some of God’s greatest gifts. His grace. His mercy. His love. After all, Paul intends to encourage Timothy, his spiritual son.

What does Paul have to say about God’s vision? God has double vision. God has the unique ability to see our present and our future at the same time with equal clarity. When God forgave Paul for being a blasphemous, persecuting man of violence (Paul’s words, not mine), God could see that that the “forgiven” Paul would be a great example of what a recipient of grace looks like. God saw the depth of Paul’s need and the capacity of Paul’s testimony at the same time.

While it is impossible for us to see ourselves as God sees us, I believe it is possible to believe in God’s perspective. Could we dare to trust a God who knows us better than we know ourselves? Could we dare to believe that life that is lived by faith in God is far more secure than a fearful dependence upon we see? Why not admit that it is difficult to see beyond the present? A deeper, ruthless trust in God often begins with our willingness to acknowledge our own limitations.

Such trust unlocks a powerful transformation. Our vision clears and what seems ethereal becomes quite tangible. God leads us down a path toward what He sees. Our destination and His vision converge.

“The way of ruthless trust is not an abstraction, but a concrete, visible and formidable reality. It gives definition to our lives, reveals what is life-giving within us, shapes the decisions we make and the words we speak, prods our consciousness, nurtures our spirit, impacts our interaction with others, sustains our will-to-meaning in life, and gives flesh and bone to our way of being in the world.”

Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust

Looking Ahead

Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition

2 Thessalonians 2:3

When Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians he addressed a considerable rumor that was floating around in the church. Apparently someone had claimed that Christ had already returned. Paul responds to this erroneous message by identifying two things that must come first. Namely, Paul wrote that there would be a “falling away” and the revealing of “the man of sin” before Christ’s return. While I believe Paul’s first priority was to combat the false teaching, I believe he wanted to provide a valuable lesson about preparing for the future.

How do I prepare for the future? Paul’s message paints a contrast between truth and deception. The appearance of “the man of sin” is described as a “revelation”.  It’s a powerful word that should remind us to beware of revelation that is contrary to God. If I desire to be prepared for the future, I must be able to distinguish between what is anti-Christ and what is Christ. This ability does not just pertain to the revealing of the man of sin at some date in the future. I need to recognize that deception is prevalent here and now. The only adequate antidote for deception is truth. Awareness is needed today. Late in the first century, John, the old apostle, warned the early church about “the Antichrist” but quickly added that many antichrists were at work. His writing reinforced what Paul taught. If I want to prepare for the future, I must know and love the Truth. Jesus identified Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. Our preparation for the future must never stray from our love and a deepening relationship for Christ.  It is in Christ that we find protection and hope. Remember, “The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).