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TRAIN YOURSELF TO BE GODLY (1 TIMOTHY 4)

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Train yourself to be godly”. To train means to acquire a particular skill or type of behaviour through practice and instruction over a period of time. To be godly means to conform to the teachings of Scripture and obey the will of God. Paul wrote to Timothy to caution him against false teachers and teachings. He encouraged Timothy to lead by example and never to relent in his ministry. We shall reflect on the fact that godliness comes from constantly studying the Scripture and living by it.

Beloved in the Lord, Paul instructed Timothy, a young minister to remain godly and focused on his duty as a leader and teacher amid the challenges that bedevilled the church of Ephesus. Paul made us understand the characteristics of people who are ungodly yet may be part of the church. He said “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.” (1 Timothy 4:1-2) In other word, ungodly people lack faith, spiritual direction and the truth that comes from the Word of God. We need to re-examine our lives to ascertain whether or not we have ungodly traits and repent if the need be.

Paul instructs us to be godly when he makes reference to some features or characteristics of a godly person in Timothy. Paul wrote, “If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 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. “(1 Timothy 4:6-8) . Dear friends, to be godly, we must be transformed and radically different in the practice of our faith and obedience to the teachings of Scripture. We must lead and teach the world through our speech and conduct by demonstrating the perfect image of Christ in us and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. To live a godly life, Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” In instructing us to live a godly life worthy of emulation as His disciples, Jesus said “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). We are the hope of the lost world. A world lost in sexual immorality, drunkenness, war, corruption and evil. It is for this reason that Jesus commissioned us when He said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:18-20). Dear friend, we have been saved, called and commissioned to live a godly life even as we preach the Gospel to the world. We must be godly in our marriages, in our societies and workplaces. We must never compromise our morality, spirituality and faith to please the world. We must be steadfast and godly even as we study the Bible daily and pray endlessly to overcome any temptation to disobey God or fall short of His will.

In summary, we have discovered that godliness is maintainable as believers if we study the Scripture and live by it daily. Shalom.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit, strengthen us to live godly lives to the glory of God. Amen.