1 timothy 4:6-11

300 Illustrations for Preachers (More Concerned with Ugly Knees than Bad Knees)

More Concerned with Ugly Knees Than Bad Knees

Proverbs 31:30; Matthew 23:27; 1 Timothy 4:8

Preaching Themes: Beauty, Character, Healing, Hypocrisy, Purity

Tiger Woods may just be the most famous person with bad knees, but many Americans struggle with this ailment. It is enough of a problem that, according to Sue Kelly of USA Today, 660,000 websites are related to sore knees and how to care for them. They feature exercises and stretches designed to help prevent knee surgery. That’s a lot of websites! But not as many as devote themselves to the problem of ugly knees: over 4 million. As it turns out, more Americans are concerned with knobby or fat knees than are interested in preventing serious joint pain.

God has called us to be as clean and pure on the inside as we appear on the outside. Do we spend too much time dressing up the body while neglecting the spirit?

The Influence of one man!

(1 Timothy 4:6–11)

Influence: the act or power of producing an effect without apparent force or direct authority. The power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways. Webster’s: power to affect others; power to produce effects because of wealth, position, ability. Influence can be good or bad; influence can be fleeting or lasting; influence can be used or abused. History tells us many accounts of the influence of one person. One person can make a difference!

The great preacher Jonathan Edwards who preached the powerful sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God!” had great and lasting influence. A study showed that Jonathan Edwards has had 1394 descendants from his union with his faithful Christian wife, Sarah. Of his descendants, there were 100 preachers and missionaries, 100 lawyers, 80 public officials, 75 army and nave officers, 65 college professionals, 60 authors of prominence, 60 physicians, 30 judges, 13 college presidents, 3 United States senators, 1 vice-president of the United States, and 295 college graduates, among whom were governors of states and ministers to foreign countries. Jonathan Edwards’ godly influence outlasted his stay on the earth. People can have good and godly influence, but they can also have negative and ungodly influence.

Noted atheist Max Jukes is an example of ungodly living and ungodly influence. From his union sprang 540 known descendants whose record is less than stellar. Of his descendants he had 310 who died as paupers; 150 who were criminals; 100 drunkards; 7 murderers; and more than half of the women were prostitutes. The offspring of Jukes and his wife are a vivid reminder that what can work for good can also produce evil. We are reminded of the evil influence of one man over nations. Hitler had evil influence over the Germans; Stalin had evil influence over the Russians; Muhammad had evil influence over the Arab peoples. One man can make a difference for evil, but thank God we know that one man can make a difference for God and good.

2000 years ago the God-man entered in to human history. There was never anyone who walked like Him, talked like Him, or had the influence like Him. The Lord Jesus lived a sinless life, worked miracles, changed lives, set the captives free, raised the dead, healed the sick, proclaimed the Kingdom of God, and went to the cross to pay the sin debt for you and me. Three days later God raised Jesus from the dead and He lives forevermore. He has influenced a countless multitude, not just temporarily, but eternally. His influence is unquestionable and unexplainable. Jesus reigns from on high and He is using His saints to influence this world for His sake. The people of God that are filled with the Spirit of God can influence and impact a lost and dying world for eternity.

Paul declared the teaching, the training, and the trust of a godly man of influence. All of us can and should have influence. Paul wrote this letter to Timothy concerning his influence as pastor over the people of God, but this message can be applied to every born again child of God. Some of you have influence in you home as a parent. Some of you have influence over students as a teacher. Some of you have influence over employees as an employer. We have influence in our families and with our friends. May we always use our influence for the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. FACT: If we are not daily influenced by the Master we’ll never faithfully influence the multitudes.

Christian’s under the authority of the word of God, filled with the Spirit, and obedient to the will of God can and should influence this world for Jesus. What kind of influence do you have? Are you being a godly influence on those around you? Is your influence turning others away and leading others astray? This passage gives some specifics about the influence of one man.

I. The exhortation to the man of God. (6–7)

A. To teach the message. (6)

1. He will be a good minister. (6a)

a. The priority of Timothy.

“If you instruct the brethren in these things”

Paul gives an exhortation to pastor Timothy to stay faithful to God in instructing God’s people. Paul tells Timothy to keep the proper priorities. Paul exhorts Timothy to faithfully teach the message of God. Instruct: (KJV: put in remembrance) hupotithemi, hoop-ot-ith’-ay-mee; to place underneath, i.e. (figurative) to hazard, (reflexive) to suggest lay down, to lay before, or put in remembrance. The present tense of the participle indicates that Timothy was to be continually warning the flock at Ephesus.

Paul had just given Timothy a warning about the confusion of false doctrine and then he gave correction of the false doctrine. Timothy was to teach sound doctrine that he himself had been taught. Every man of God is exhorted to teach the message of God. We are to be faithful to the word of God.

Paul exhorts Timothy to instruct the brethren. Brethren: adelphos, ad-el-fos’; (the womb); a brother (literal or figurative) near or remote [much like Hebrew 1 (’ab)]:—brother. The saints of God must be taught by the man of God from the word of God. He was to make it a priority to instruct the people of God in the word of God. In 1 Timothy 4:13 Paul exhorts Timothy, “Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” It is to be a priority in the life of a man of God to teach the message of God. Paul gives a word about the priority of Timothy. We also see in verse 6:

b. The promise to Timothy.

“you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ,”

Paul makes a promise to Timothy that if he will be faithful in teaching the word of God to the church that he will be a good minister of Jesus Christ. Every God called Spirit filled pastor and servant of God wants to be a good and faithful servant. Every saint of God needs to realize that it’s not that we’ve got to serve Jesus, but that we get to serve Jesus. If you are saved you have been called to serve and when you love Jesus you will want to serve Jesus with all your heart. You will want to give your best for the Master. I want to be a good minister of Jesus Christ; I believe Timothy wanted to be a good minister of Jesus Christ. Good: (kalos) means “noble, admirable, excellent.” Minister: diakonos, dee-ak’-on-os; (to run on errands; an attendant, i.e. (genitive) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially a Christian teacher and pastor; deacon, minister, servant.

Every born again Christian is called to be a servant. Paul tells Timothy that if he faithfully instructs the brethren and teaches the message of God that he will be a good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. What a promise that gives great encouragement and incentive to keep serving Jesus. Timothy would have been motivated to keep teaching the message of God in a pagan, secular, and ungodly city. If a man or woman is going to have godly influence in the world he or she must be influenced by God. Timothy was exhorted to have the right priority and he was given a great promise. Paul exhorts Timothy to teach the message. In verse 6 he tells him that he will be a good minister. We also learn that Paul tells Timothy:

2. He will be a growing minister. (6b)

“nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.”

A growing servant of God is a guided and governed servant of God. A Christian that is surrendered to the Lord Jesus and hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be nourished in the faith. Nourished: entrepho, en-tref-o; (figurative) to educate:—nourish up in, to train up. This word is in the present tense which indicates that Timothy will be daily nourished and trained as he feeds on the word of God. This is a word to all of us to spend time daily in the presence of the Savior. We are to daily pray, read the word, mediate on what God is saying to us, and seek to apply His word to our daily living. We do not neglect the physical appetite and we should never neglect our spiritual appetite. Just as we hunger for physical food, which Paul tells us that we should receive with thanksgiving, we should also hunger for the spiritual food that comes from daily communion with our Lord Jesus Christ.

John MacArthur wrote, “The continual experience of being nourished on the truths of God’s word is essential. An excellent minister must read the Word, study it, meditate on it, and master its contents. Only then can he be ‘approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, right dividing the word of truth.”

A servant of God must be nourished in the words of the faith before they can instruct, encourage, and exhort others. William Barclay said, “No one can give out without taking in. Those who teach must be continually learning. It is the reverse of the truth that when people become teachers they cease to be learners; each day they must come to know Jesus Christ better before they can bring Him to others.” All servants of God must be nourished in the words of the faith. The definite article is included in the Greek language which lets us know that Paul refers to “the Faith.” We are to be nourished in the words of “the faith.” It is the true, sound, and healthy doctrine of the word of God. It is not just faith, but the faith! People talk about faith; believe in yourself; trust in your wisdom; have faith man, but faith in and of itself will avail us nothing! We must have our faith in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ who is revealed to us in the Holy Bible. We learn about “the faith” from the Book! We learn about what pleases God and what displeases God! We learn about what God requires of us from the Book.

Timothy was to be nourished in the words of “the faith” and of the good doctrine. Doctrine: didaskalia, did-as-kal-ee’-ah; instruction (the function or the information) doctrine, learning, teaching. The church is in dire need of men who can teach good, healthy, and sound doctrine. Timothy was exhorted to give out what he had taken in. We are to learn good doctrine which will instruct the people of God in righteousness, godliness, and goodness.

In an examination at a Christian school, the teacher asked the following question: “What is false doctrine?” The third graders all pondered for a moment and then up went a little boy’s hand and he profoundly said, “It is when the doctor gives the wrong stuff to people who are sick.” AMEN! Although the little boy had obviously confused doctrine with doctorin’ he arrived at the correct definition. Timothy was not to give out false doctrine that would hurt and hinder people, but he was to teach the good doctrine that will help and bless people.

Paul reminds Timothy that it was the good doctrine that he had carefully followed. Carefully followed: (KJV: attained) parakoloutheo, par-ak-ol-oo-theh’-o; to follow near, i.e. (figurative) attend (as a result), trace out, conform to attain, follow, fully know, have understanding. This word is in the perfect tense that tells us that Timothy had already been grounded in the faith. Timothy had been properly instructed in the things of God. He had been with Paul on a number of mission trips, planting churches, preaching the gospel, and being in the fellowship where the word of God had been taught. Timothy had been with Paul when the apostle penned the words of God to the church at Corinth.

Timothy’s name appears in the opening greetings of 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Timothy would have been thoroughly familiar with good and sound doctrine. He was exhorted to teach the message of God. To teach the message of God you must first know the message of God. Timothy had carefully followed and attained to the good doctrine that will glorify Jesus and lead lost sinners to salvation and lead saved saints to faithful service. In verse 6 Paul gives an exhortation to the man of God. He is exhorted to teach the message. We also see in verse 7 he is exhorted:

B. To turn from myths. (7a)

“Bur reject profane and old wives’ fables,”

A man of God who is going to influence this world for Jesus must teach the message, but he must also turn from myths. Reject: (KJV: refuse) paraiteomai, par-ahee-teh’-om-ahee; to beg off, i.e. deprecate, decline, shun:—avoid, (make) excuse, entreat, refuse, reject. Timothy is commanded to reject profane and old wives’ fables. This word is in the present tense which indicates that this is to be a constant reaction of Timothy to the profane and old wives’ fables. Profane: bebelos, beb’-ay-los; (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door-way), i.e. (by implication of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked profane (person). These sayings are profane in the sense that they are unhallowed, common, and are absent of a divine and sacred character. Fables: muthos, moo’-thos; a tale, i.e. fiction (“myth”) fable, an invention, or a falsehood. D. Edmond Hiebert says, “the first adjective points out that there is nothing sacred about them, while the other indicates their futile, senseless nature; they are nothing but silly fictions, fit only for senile, childish old crones to chatter about. To discuss them seriously would be to give them a dignity which they do not deserve.” Have you ever had someone come to you with gossip, slander, or with a remedy to a problem that their grandmother had taught them that their grandmother had taught them?

They pass these tales on down the line! Some people put more stock in what Opra Winfrey says; or what Ann Landers says; or what they find in their daily horoscopes than in what the Holy word of God says. The man of God is exhorted to teach the message and to turn from myths. If we are going to be a godly influence in this world we must obey the word of God and abide in the Son of God! In verses 6–7 we’ve seen the exhortation to the man of God. In the last part of verse 7–11 Paul moves to:

II. The exercise of the man of God. (7b–11)

It is amazing what we will do to avoid exercise. Physical assertion is not on top of the “to do list” for many. I heard about this company that posted this on their bulletin board: “This firm requires no physical fitness program. Everyone gets enough exercise jumping to conclusions, flying off the handle, running down the boss, flogging dead horses, knifing friends in the back, dodging responsibility, and pushing their luck.” Thanks the management. In verse 7 Paul specifically tells Timothy that their must be exercise daily if we are going to walk with Jesus and influence this world for Him.

A. The instruction to exercise. (7b)

“and exercise yourself toward godliness.”

Paul gives Timothy some clear instruction about exercise. This is not a suggestion or a recommendation, but a commandment to everyone who follows after Jesus Christ. Exercise: (gumnazo) means “to train, to discipline. The word speaks of the rigorous, strenuous, and self-sacrificing training an athlete undergoes. The present tense of the verb tells us that this was to be Timothy’s constant pursuit. This is what Dr. Ted Traylor calls the formation of Godliness. He says, “In the formation of Godliness we must work out, we must look up, and we must bear down.” There’s nothing wrong with bodily exercise, but our ultimate goal daily is not only to maintain, but build upon and build up our spiritual man. Some are diligent in bodily exercise, but give no work at spiritual exercise.

I heard about this executive who was just buttoning up his coat after a physical examination. He said, “Doctor, if there is anything wrong with me, don’t try to hoodwink me by giving me a long scientific name. Just tell me in plain English what’s wrong with me.” The doctor said, “Well, to be perfectly frank, you are just plain lazy and need more exercise.” The executive said, “Thanks, doctor. Now please give me the scientific name, so I can tell the people at the office.” Some people are lazy physically, but more than that they are lazy spiritually.

Some Christians never exercise and work out by spending time in prayer, Bible study, or service for the King. We are commanded to exercise, but not just any exercise. We are commanded to exercise toward godliness. Godliness: (Eusebeia) this is a compound word in the Greek language. The word “eu” which means “well” and the word “sebomai” which means “to be devout, piety, godliness, holiness.”

In 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 the word of God says, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Paul gives Timothy some direct instruction about exercise toward godliness. We should all daily be growing in our faith, in the likeness of the Son of God, in our love for the word of God, in our obedience to God, in our service for God, in our witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be growing! Are you growing? Are you closer to Jesus today than you were last year, last month, last week, or last night?

Warren Wiersbe wrote, “When I see high school football squads and baseball teams going through their calisthenics under the hot summer sun, I am reminded that there are spiritual exercises that I ought to be doing. Prayer, meditation, self-examination, fellowship, service, sacrifice, submission to the will of others, witness—all of these can assist me, through the Spirit, to become a more godly person.”

What are you doing to become godly? In verse 7 Paul gives instruction to exercise. In verses 8–11 we see:

B. The inspiration of exercise. (8–11)

1. Concerning our future. (8–9)

“For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.”

It is a fact that bodily exercise is good for the body. Bodily exercise or physical training is good. Exercise: We get our English word for gymnasium from this Greek word. At the gym we go to work out and get in shape. Paul tells us that bodily exercise profits a little. Profits: ophelimos, o-fel’-ee-mos; helpful or serviceable, i.e. advantageous:—profit (-able) useful. Physical exercise profits a little, for a little while, but godliness is profitable for all things and affects us for all eternity. It is good to work out and be in physical shape, but if we waste our life trying to build the physical man to the neglect of our spiritual life we have done a great dis-service to ourselves. Promise: epaggelia, ep-ang-el-ee’-ah; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good), message, promise.

Paul tells Timothy that godliness is profitable in this life and in the life to come. It has profit in all things at all times. We can be assured that when we live for Jesus that we are not wasting our time or our talents. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” We have a promise for this life and for the life to come. H.A. Ironside exhorts us in saying, “Do not neglect your soul as you care for your body. Do not be so much concerned about bodily exercise that you fail to take plenty of time over the word of God and in prayer that you may be strong, healthy Christians, whose lives will bring the approval of the blessed Lord at His judgment seat.” We are exhorted to live here and now for the then and there. We must live in light of eternity!

Henry C. Morrison, after serving for forty years on the African mission field, headed home by boat. On that same boat also rode Theodore Roosevelt. Morrison was quite dejected when, on entering New York harbor, President Roosevelt received a great fanfare as he arrived home. Morrison thought he should get some recognition for forty years in the Lord’s service. Then a small voice came to Morrison and said, “Henry—you’re not home yet.” Godliness is profitable in this life and in the life which is to come.

Paul exhorted the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 4:18 which says, “while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” When we focus on what we have in heaven, it changes the way we function down here. We work out through the practice of godliness; we look up through the patience of godliness; and we bear down through the persecution of godliness. Our exercise in godliness makes disciples, wins souls, and expands the kingdom of God one earth, but it also has eternal rewards that we will only fully understand in heaven.

In verse 9 Paul reaffirms the truth that he is teaching. He tells Timothy, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” This is the second time that Paul has used this phrase in this book. In 1 Timothy 1:15 the Bible says, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” I believe that first statement was an important word and so too is this fact that he is relaying in chapter 4. Paul gives Timothy some inspiration for working out and going to the Lord’s gym. He gives inspiration of exercise concerning our future. We also see we have inspiration of exercise:

2. Concerning our faith. (10a)

“For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God,”

The spiritual exercise of a man of God is profitable concerning our future and concerning our faith. Paul reminds Timothy that we are in this thing together. Paul stayed on track and encouraged Timothy that we both labor and suffer reproach for the cause of Christ because of their godliness. Paul had a healthy perspective of heaven and the future in eternity. Labor: kopiao, kop-ee-ah’-o; to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. Christians are to labor and work hard at growing in their faith and becoming more like Jesus and we are to labor in the work of the Lord. When we properly labor to become like Jesus we will properly labor for Jesus. We labor by surrendering to Jesus as Lord, denying ourselves and dying to ourselves. We labor for the Lord in the world and because of our godliness we will suffer reproach. Suffer reproach: oneidizo, on-i-did’-zo; to defame, i.e. rail at, chide, taunt:—cast in teeth, (suffer) reproach, revile, upbraid.

Paul reveals the reason that they suffer reproach. Because they trust in the living God. Trusting in Jesus will bring you blessing from heaven and berating from hell. Exercising our faith in the Lord will gain favor with God and bring a fight from men. Trust: elpizo, el-pid’-zo; to expect or confide:—(have, thing) hope (-d) (for), trust.

Paul reminds us that we trust in the living God. We do not serve a false dead idol! We do not worship a lifeless and powerless image. We do not call upon a unresponsive and unreal god. He is the living God which was, is, and will always be. Timothy would be inspire to work out in the Lord’s gym because it is profitable concerning our future, concerning our faith; and we also see it is profitable:

3. Concerning our Father. (10b)

“who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”

Paul is not teaching universalism, which is the teaching that all people will be saved. Paul is telling Timothy that we serve the God who is Savior of all men and then he clarifies, especially of those who believe. What does Paul mean when he says that God is the Savior of all men? D. Edmond Hiebert gave a good word here. He says, “The concluding phrase shows that God is not the Savior of unbelievers in the same sense that He is of believers. This statement cannot be used to support an unscriptural universalism which teaches that all men will be saved. God is Savior of all men, by His intention, offer, and propitiatory work.” 1 John 2:2 says, “And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”

Kenneth Wuest put it like this, “He is the actual Savior of those who believe, and the potential Savior of the unbeliever in the sense that He has provided a salvation at the Cross for the sinner, and stands ready to save that sinner when the latter places his faith in the Lord Jesus.”

Savior (soter) which means “savior, deliverer, or preserver.” God is the Savior in the sense that He preserves mankind and provides for mankind. He is longsuffering towards us! He saves us from immediate destruction when we sin; He protects us from physical dangers; He gives us the breath of life that we breathe. The word of God makes clear thou that God is the eternal Savior of those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Especially: malista, mal’-is-tah; most (in the greatest degree) or particularly:—chiefly, most of all, (e-) specially. God is the Savior especially to those who have believed on His only begotten Son. John 3:16–18 Jesus says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” We are inspired to exercise and serve the Lord faithfully because of our future, our faith, our Father, and lastly:

4. Concerning our focus. (11)

“These things command and teach.”

In this verse Paul calls for Timothy to stay focused on his call and commission. What Timothy had learned he must faithfully command and teach! Timothy had been called and equipped to preach and teach the word of God. Paul was letting the man of God know that as he faithfully follows Jesus he will have influence in the church and make a difference in the world. As a Christian and a pastor Timothy was charged to command and teach the truth to the flock in Ephesus.

John Phillips wrote, “Young Timothy was to exercise authority and preserve accuracy in his teaching. He was to impress on his people the truths that Paul had brought to his attention. He was to counter with Pauline doctrine the cultic tendencies creeping into the church … Timothy had accompanied Paul on the mission field, so he knew firsthand the apostle’s methods and was well acquainted with the soulsaving, life-transforming, world-evangelizing, church-building, mind-expanding, heartwarming truths that Paul taught.”

Young Timothy was to stay focused on the will of God; stay faithful to the word of God, and be fruitful in the work of God. There is power in a sold out, surrendered, and Spirit filled man and woman of God. We can and should have influence for God and good in this world. The Lord Jesus has given us all that we need for life and godliness and we must seek to serve Him with all of our hearts. We are exhorted to and encourage to work out our faith and stand firm for the faith and diligently share our faith! Are we being a godly influence in this world? Is our life and witness bringing others to the Lord or driving them from the Lord? Is your life helping others or hurting others?