In verse 2, Paul accused the false teachers of being hypocritical. Now, he advises Timothy to train himself to be godly and to set an example. What specific things does Paul encourage Timothy to do in order to keep this instruction (especially in verses 11–16)? Godliness – respect and reverence for God and reflecting God’s image to the world – is not something easily come by. Note the use of the words train, labour, strive, devote, diligent, wholly, and persevere.

Paul emphasises the need for good teaching (vs 6,7,11,13). Studying the Word of God and teaching others what we have learnt from it will provide a firm foundation and will nourish the teacher and the hearers.

Three times in 1 Timothy, Paul says, ‘This is a trustworthy saying.’ He uses it to refer to Christ coming into the world to save sinners (1:15); to the aspiration to be a church leader (3:1); and here in verse 8, it refers to the idea that godliness has value for all things. What value do you place on developing godliness in your life?

In the deeply personal words of one person to another, may we hear and apply the voice of God to our lives. Amen. 

For the third trustworthy saying, Paul focuses on fitness. Having noted the importance of physical training, Paul highlights how our spiritual fitness is of greater value. Although he doesn’t tell us what exercises he has in mind, he makes it clear that training in godliness requires us to ‘labour and strive’ (v 10) – terms that were synonymous with wrestling. Timothy’s defence against the godlessness that was infiltrating the church was training in godliness (v 7). Pause to reflect and compare with the challenges facing the church today. Would Paul say anything different to us now?

This encouragement from Paul to his younger protégé to challenge godless myths is followed by an endorsement of Timothy’s ministry. Paul affirms Timothy as gifted of God (v 14), despite his youthfulness. I’ve observed this as a challenge to young leaders who may be ministering among people twice their age. To the young, Paul says don’t let others look down on you because of your age; while not explicitly stated here, I’m sure he’d warn older people not to do this.

These verses conclude with what Tom Wright notes as ‘the instruction clergy find it hardest to hear’.¹ As a lay worker in Christian ministry, I can testify that the need for this instruction, to ‘Keep a close watch on yourself’ (v 16, ESV), is not restricted to clergy. This may be a salutary word for all of us as we consider who we are becoming. How is your spiritual fitness progressing? I previously worked in banking and recall being trained on identifying forged bank notes. We were trained by studying in great detail genuine notes, so it was easy to spot a fake. Look at the things Timothy is urged to devote himself to. I suspect myths and old wives’ tales were easy for him to spot.

Is there a gift you have that lies dormant? Lord, grant us courage. Amen.

¹ Tom Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Pastoral Letters, SPCK, 2003, p52