2. Do not waste time in godless myths and old wives tales: (4:7): Godless myths and old wives tales contradict the Word of God and try to rediscover new false doctrines for men. Paul gave similar warning to Titus also (Tit.1:14). These myths and tales divert people from focusing on the word of God. These days, people speak of endless genealogies, family backgrounds, family inheritance. All these only bring profaneness and unholy character. That’s why Paul says to Timothy not to give an inch of such gossip among the brethren. Further the Shepherd must train himself towards godliness.
Paul nurturing Timothy.
3. Do not waste time in physical training: (4:8): The ancient Greek and Roman culture put high value on physical training. Physical training is OK but not at the cost of spiritual training. Now-a-days TV and ads put great emphasis on physical exercises, even Yoga. Recently many countries observed International yoga day. Even many Christians are attracted by these days. This is a blatant deception of indulging people in idolatry. But O! Christian, why are so obsessed with physical training. If we want to keep fit, a simple physical exercise is enough which can be done at a convenient time. It is important to keep our body fit, but it is much more important to keep our spirit fit. But spending with God and the Word is more important than all these deceptive activities. Many people get up early in the and go for physical exercises. It is more important to spend the morning hours with God. Give priority to God. First things first.
4. Have spiritual training: (4:7b): This is the continuation of the previous thought. Paul asks Timothy to exercise spiritual training unto godliness. It means to have the character and attitude of God. Body exercises profits a while but the spiritual exercises profits for eternity. All the pleasures and happiness of this world cannot give eternal life . Only spiritual training for godliness can make the bliss a reality. A Christian who wants to excel must really work must do it by the grace of God. Spiritual exercising not only is profitable to us, but also profitable to for others. It enables us to be good examples so that we can encourage others. Paul coming straight to the point says: Sin and its activities give nothing to life.
- Genealogies, old wives tales, gossip give nothing to life.
- Worldly success, wealth and fame give nothing to life.
- Popularity and personal fame nothing to life.
- Physical training or bodily training nothing to life.
Spurgeon says: “The house of evil communications, the drunkard’s bottle, the gathering-place of scorners, the chamber of the strange woman – none of these has yet dared to advertise a promise of eternal life as among the boons that may tempt its votaries. At best sin gives you but bubbles, and feeds you upon air. The pleasure vanishes, and the misery is left.”
5. A faithful saying: (4:9): Paul affirms that it is true that the Lord Jesus came to save sinners. This is an universal and absolute statement and worthy of all acceptance.