A GOOD MINISTER’S DISCIPLINE

1 Timothy 4:⁶ In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. ⁷ But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”

Timothy was an evangelist, not a full time located paid preacher! 2 Timothy 4:⁵ But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist (euaggelistés: Evangelist: a missionary, bearer of good tidings.), fulfill your ministry.” The word ‘evangelist’ is found three times in the N.T. It is an anglicized form of a Greek word which has the same root as the word translated ‘gospel’ or ‘good news.’ Thus, an evangelist is ‘one who tells good news’ or ‘a proclaimer of the gospel.’ The Greek word for gospel is euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), which translates to “good news”. The word is a compound of eu, meaning “good”, and angelion, meaning “announcement”. The primary work of an evangelist was to proclaim, preach, or announce the gospel, the good news that Jesus saves. . If was one of the 5 miraculously gifted leadership positions in the early church. Ephesians 4:¹¹ And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers”. Evangelists were not full time located paid preachers. They traveled around preaching the gospel although they might be sent to a church to give them further instructions or rebuke false teachers. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to do just that. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines.” The church there would have had elders to shepherd the flock, but Paul felt that they needed Timothy for at least a while. Timothy was familiar with the church at Ephesus, having spent 3 years at Ephesus with Paul, probably spreading the gospel to surrounding areas.

Paul told Timothy to “point (hupotithémi: To lay down, to suggest, to propose, to set before)out these things to the church”. What things? Paul had just stated the creed of the church in 3:16 and warned about the falling away that was inevitable. So that would be “these things”. He was to be constantly nourished (entrephó: To bring up, to nurture, to train) on the words of “the faith” and good doctrine. Sounds a little misogynistic, but he was to “stay away from worthless stories typical of old women”! Paul had already talked about such myths. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, ⁴ nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now.” “‘ Coupled here with ‘ endless genealogies ,’ Paul may be referring to legends about well-known figures in the Old Testament found in many non-canonical Jewish writings of the Second Temple period. He may also be referencing ‘genealogies’ and ‘stories’ about the Greek gods propagated by the Temple of Artemis.” Paul may have been referring to speculative genealogies about spiritual beings that were developed by Gnosticism.” I think he is saying that these myths were no better than some “old wives’s tales” there were pure speculation not based on facts. Such as: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don’t go out with wet hair or you’ll get sick. Putting onions in your socks to cure a cold. Eat carrots for better eyesight. White spots on your nails are caused by calcium deficiency. Your baby’s heart rate can predict its sex. Just to name a few. A great example of such a “worthless story” (4:7) would be the Mormon legends found in the Book of Mormon. “Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be a record of God’s dealings principally with another group of Israelites he brought to the Western Hemisphere from Jerusalem about 600 b.c. They anticipated the birth and coming of Jesus Christ and believed in his Atonement and gospel.” The book is about as long as the New Testament. (AI) “According to the Book of Mormon, an angel named Moroni visited Joseph Smith and told him about the book, which was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. Moroni revealed that the book was written on gold plates in an ancient language and contained the history of early Americans and teachings from Jesus Christ. The book was written by prophets, with Moroni being the last to contribute. Joseph Smith translated the book into English using special stones called “interpreters” that were buried with the plates. Smith claimed that he did not write the book, but instead translated it under divine guidance.” “The Book of Mormon is considered the “keystone” of Mormon religion, as it serves as a second witness to Jesus Christ, confirming the Bible’s teachings while providing additional details about his life and ministry, particularly his appearance to the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, which is seen as a restoration of lost truths about the gospel and a validation of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling as the instrument through which it was revealed; essentially, it is a central pillar of their faith, proving the divinity of Jesus Christ and the legitimacy of their church.” So, this unproven myth is the cornerstone of Mormonoism, proving that Joseph Smith was a prophet and confirmin the legitimacy of their church. So millions of Mormons spend time studying the book of Mormon. Mormon “elders” are trained to spread and teach the book of Mormon all over the world. Sounds exactly what Paul was telling Timothy to stay away from. I know some devout Mormons who bear the. fruit of the Spirit as much as I do, but I feel sorry for them that they are so indoctrinated with the Mormon mythology. They have been grounded and nourished with the teachings of Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon.

“Rather discipline (gumnazó: To train, exercise, discipline: Derived from γυμνός (gumnos), meaning “naked” or “bare,” which relates to the practice of exercising unclothed in ancient Greek culture. The word we get “gymnasium” from) yourself for the purpose of godliness (eusebeia: Godliness, piety, devotion)”.   (AI) “ In ancient Greek culture, physical training was highly valued, and gymnasiums were central to education and social life. The Greeks believed in the harmony of body and mind, and physical exercise was seen as essential for developing both. This cultural backdrop provides a vivid metaphor for spiritual discipline in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to pursue godliness with the same dedication as an athlete.” (AI) “In the New Testament, “eusebeia” refers to a reverent and devout attitude towards God, characterized by a life that reflects His holiness and commands. It encompasses both an inner piety and outward conduct that aligns with God’s will. This term is often associated with living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by moral integrity and spiritual devotion.”

Then Paul gives one of his 5 “trustworthy sayings”. 4:⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance”.

Christ Came to Save Sinners – 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

A Noble Task – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”

The Value of Godliness – 1 Timothy 4:8-10 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”

He Remains Faithful – 2 Timothy 2:11-13 “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Saved by Grace. Now What? – Titus 3:1-8 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.”

“Bodily exercise (gumnasia: Exercise, training, discipline) is only slightly beneficial but godliness is beneficial for all things in this life and in eternal life”. Certainly bodily exercise is valuable for good health in this life, but that’s it. It won’t help you in eternity when you lose your physical body. (AI) “Today, there is a significant emphasis on exercise as a crucial component of overall health, with a growing awareness of its benefits for physical and mental well-being, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting better sleep, leading to widespread encouragement to incorporate regular physical activity into daily life; health professionals often consider exercise as important as medication for maintaining good health.” Athletes push their bodies with constant exercise, weight lifting, running, etc. to compete. Even health conscious people workout regularly, even have personal trainers. Many of them practice godliness with the same diligence, but many ignore their spiritual discipline. So what are the “spiritual disciplines” or training techniques? In Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, he has divided twelve prominent Christian Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit: inward (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service) and corporate (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Dallas Willard divides the disciplines into two classes: disciplines of abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice) and disciplines of engagement (study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission). These will help you have a mature, joyful faith in this life and prepare you for eternal life. So enjoy your workout but then go home and practice these spiritual disciplines! 4:¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.” Our God-man Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, i.e. 2:⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. But “especially of believers”. Paul was not a universalist (i.e. all people will be saved). He told the Jews they would be lost if they did not believe in Jesus. Paul said in Romans 10:1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (after saying all but the remnant were “vessels prepared for destruction”. Romans 9:²² What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.” So Jesus died for all men and God’s desire is that all men might be saved. 1 Timothy 2:³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” But it is only the believers who will be saved, so his death is “especially” (malista: Especially, chiefly, most of all) for believers as they are the only ones who will benefit from his death.

1 Timothy 4:¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³ Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. If Timothy was in his early 20’s when he joined Paul on his 2nd missionary journey, then he is in his middle 30’s when Paul wrote this, still a young man by Jewish standards. It was important for Timothy to not do or say anything that would hurt his teaching of the word. Notice the 5 areas that all Christians should be an example to unbelievers: speech, conduct (everything you do), love, faith, and purity. Believers did not have personal copies of the old testament or of the gospels and letters being circulated and copied among all the churches. So it was important to have “public” reading of whatever scriptures they had. I often hear a philosophical sermon and think, “why don’t we just have the reading of the Scriptures” and let the Holy Spirit speak to us through the written word. Timothy had a “spiritual gift”, i.e. a miraculous gift of teaching, no doubt given to him by the laying on of Paul’s hands. The apostles and Paul were the only ones who could impart spiritual gifts to baptized believers (Acts 8:¹⁴ Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, ¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.) Acts 19:⁴ And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.” Some group (council) of elders had laid hands on Timothy, commissioning him to be an evangelist. Even Paul and Barnabas had been “set apart” for mission work by the laying on of hands of teachers and prophets at Antioch. Acts 13: Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,^[a] Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” “Take pains” is meletaó: To meditate, to care for, to practice, to study: from which we get “meditate”. His progress should be evident to all: prokopé: Progress, advancement, furtherance. prokopḗ (from 4253 /pró, “in front of” and 2875 /kóptō, “cut, chop down”) properly, advance (progress) literally, “advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress”; furtherance.” (AI) “The idea of moral and spiritual progress was significant in early Christian teachings, emphasizing the transformation and growth of individuals and communities in their faith journey.” When someone has a difficult task, we might ask him “are you making any progress”. Or we might observe his work and say “you’ve made a lot of progress on that”. We should not be satisfied with complacency in our spiritual growth. We should always be advancing to a deeper relationship with God and Jesus and more faith and good works. Such that an observer might say, “wow, you have really grown spiritually”. Pay attention (epechó: To hold upon, to hold fast, to pay attention to, to give heed to.) to both yourself and others. Often an evangelist is to bent on saving souls (which is good) but he ignores his own spiritual growth and falls into sin. (AI) “In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of focusing one’s mind or attention was significant in both philosophical and practical contexts. Philosophers often emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection as means to attain wisdom and virtue. In a biblical context, this idea is extended to spiritual matters, encouraging believers to focus their minds and hearts on the teachings and person of Christ.”

Thanks for reading.