1 Timothy 4:6-11 (NKJV) If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 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. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.
V6 “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.” One of the most important duties and responsibilities of a teacher, preacher, pastor-teacher is to teach the Scriptures to give the meaning and application. The Greek word for “nourished” is (G1789) ἐντρέφω (entréphō, which means to educate, train a person in something. Spiritual training points: 1) the Holy Spirit is the teacher, 2) Scripture is the text, 3) the speaker is the human teacher, and 4) the human teacher must be taught first. Words of faith = doctrine, Christian lifestyle, worldview, and the Law of Christ. Paul commends Timothy for having carefully followed these things. What about us?
V7 “But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.” Some things to reject: sin, laziness in the Christian life (not reading and studying the Bible, nor praying, etc.), and disobedience to what Jesus has commanded us. The Greek word for “profane” is (G952) βέβηλος bébēlos, which means someone not eligible to enter a temple (because they are unclean, impure, contaminated). Compare Hebrews 12:16. Old wives’ fables = stories, fiction, foolish interpretations, etc. Exercise is to put effort into something. We need to put some effort in thinking and living a godly life. John Wesley in his notes on this verse writes: “Like those who were to contend in the Grecian games, exercise thyself unto godliness – Train thyself up in holiness of heart and life, with the utmost labour, vigour, and diligence.”
V8 “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.” Bodily exercise is good but it is not the priority. The benefits are there but not as great as the benefits of a godly life. To be a good teacher we must: 1) have the calling of God to be a teacher, 2) the new birth so we might have the Holy Spirit to guide and teach us first, 3) we must study and learn (didactic and practical) before teaching others, 4) we must have wisdom (experience plus God’s wisdom), 5) a willingness to study before teaching, 6) a good prayer life, 7) willing to answer questions, 8) dedication, 9) a godly life (not a sinless life), and 10) a good support system to encourage and pray for the teacher.
V9 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”
V10 “For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.” Teaching and preaching does have their downfalls. There is labor involved–laboring in study, preparing, and delivery. There is reproach from false teachers, mockers, and God haters. Nevertheless, trusting in God motivates us to obey Him. Our God, the one and only God, is a living God, not a piece of stone or wood. Jesus is the Savior for all humans, if they meet God’s conditions–repentance, faith, and trust into Jesus Christ alone. Those who are already saved, meeting God’s conditions, are termed here “those who believe.” This is because they already have the Savior.
V11 “These things command and teach.”