Training in Godliness

A while ago I began a study on 1 Timothy 4:7-8, verses that talk about training in godliness:

"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 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."

I wondered, "How can you train yourself to be godly?" I've really enjoyed studying cross references and words in the Greek to really understand these verses and their application points.

So today, I looked at two of my cross reference verses in Hebrews.

Hebrews 5:11-14 ~ "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Here the writer encourages his audience (the Hebrews) to grow and mature in their faith so they can "eat" solid food, which is a deeper understanding of the Word. In the above verses, Christian maturity involves time (vs. 12), growth in knowledge of the Word (vs. 13), and experience in the use of the Word to distinguish good from evil.

So the training point here? "...by constant use...have trained..."!!

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple." (Psalm 119:130) and "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." (John 15:7)

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Hebrews 12:11 ~ "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Boy, is that true! Being disciplined, rebuked, and exhorted by God and those God has placed in our lives, are all ways that we are trained in godliness (growing in humility for starters) ...BUT...only if we let them!

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7) but.... "He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise." (Proverbs 15:31) and "He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." (Proverbs 10:17)

And always remember: "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." (Revelation 3:19)

In Christ,

Ellie