1 Timothy 4:6-10
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.”
Constantly nourished: Ministry is about being nourished by the grace of God and nourishing others with the Gospel message. Notice that the Christian life is one of joy and not one of obligation. This is the atmosphere Paul wants to see cultivated by Timothy in the church. Foolish doctrines, such as those being combatted in this letter, do not create freedom for people.
Worthless stories: Paul is talking about worldly ideas and stories rooted in Gnosticism. These stories encourage unhealthy asceticism which destroys our experience of the freedom of Christ.
Godliness: True godliness is not the denial of pleasure but rather expressing the Spirit in every circumstance. This is true godliness. Paul is not saying that there are no benefits to physical health, but rather, that true godliness is compatible with who we are at our cores.
Trustworthy statement: Paul is speaking of his words in verse 10. Paul proclaims that Jesus is the savior of all mankind with believers being the direct beneficiaries of Christ’s work.
