1 Timothy 4:8 KJV
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.
I exercised my body today by doing some fairly physical errands around the house. By the end of the day, I had some difficulty even gripping a spoon because my hands were so tired. Bodily exercise does profit some.
Far more important is that we exercise ourselves unto godliness. Scripture says that exercise and effort have promises that pertain both to the life that now is and the life that is to come.
The Life that now is
Barnes makes these comments: "...The promises of the Scriptures on this subject are abundant, and there is probably not a lack of our nature for which there might not be found a specific promise in the Bible; compare Psa_23:1; Psa_84:11; Phi_4:19. Religion promises us needful food and raiment, Mat_6:25-33; Isa_33:16; comfort in affliction, Deu_33:27; Job_5:19; Psa_46:1-11; Heb_13:5; support in old age and death, Isa_46:4; Psa_23:4; compare Isa_43:2; and a good reputation, an honored name when we are dead; Psa_37:1-6. There is nothing which man really “needs” in this life, which is not promised by religion; and if the inquiry were made, it would be surprising to many, even with our imperfect religion, how literally these promises are fulfilled."[1]
That which is to come
There is more riding on our godliness today than most believe. I am amazed at how many believers think they can shirk God in this life and expect a full life in eternity. The New Testament is filled with teaching concerning eternity and the fact that decisions made today impact what eternity is like.
Scriptures that speak of an abundant entrance
Scriptures that speak of being saved yet so as by fire
Scriptures that speak of making it to heaven but suffering loss
Scriptures that speak of weeping and gnashing of teeth
Scriptures that speak of being ruler over much
Scriptures that speak of rewards for the deeds done in this body
And in every case, the difference has to do with obedience, faithfulness and godliness.
Godliness is profitable unto all things!
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.
I exercised my body today by doing some fairly physical errands around the house. By the end of the day, I had some difficulty even gripping a spoon because my hands were so tired. Bodily exercise does profit some.
Far more important is that we exercise ourselves unto godliness. Scripture says that exercise and effort have promises that pertain both to the life that now is and the life that is to come.
The Life that now is
Barnes makes these comments: "...The promises of the Scriptures on this subject are abundant, and there is probably not a lack of our nature for which there might not be found a specific promise in the Bible; compare Psa_23:1; Psa_84:11; Phi_4:19. Religion promises us needful food and raiment, Mat_6:25-33; Isa_33:16; comfort in affliction, Deu_33:27; Job_5:19; Psa_46:1-11; Heb_13:5; support in old age and death, Isa_46:4; Psa_23:4; compare Isa_43:2; and a good reputation, an honored name when we are dead; Psa_37:1-6. There is nothing which man really “needs” in this life, which is not promised by religion; and if the inquiry were made, it would be surprising to many, even with our imperfect religion, how literally these promises are fulfilled."[1]
That which is to come
There is more riding on our godliness today than most believe. I am amazed at how many believers think they can shirk God in this life and expect a full life in eternity. The New Testament is filled with teaching concerning eternity and the fact that decisions made today impact what eternity is like.
Scriptures that speak of an abundant entrance
Scriptures that speak of being saved yet so as by fire
Scriptures that speak of making it to heaven but suffering loss
Scriptures that speak of weeping and gnashing of teeth
Scriptures that speak of being ruler over much
Scriptures that speak of rewards for the deeds done in this body
And in every case, the difference has to do with obedience, faithfulness and godliness.
Godliness is profitable unto all things!
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