The Good Pursuit

Sermon Series: “This Is A Faithful Saying.” (Show Slide 1)

Sermon Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

Story Illustration: Tom Brady’s Pursuit to Greatness (Show Slide 2)

Tom Brady, played quarterback in the NFL for 23 seasons (20 years with the New England Patriots and the last 3 seasons with Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Twenty years ago in June of 2005, he was interviewed by Steve Kroft, from 60 minutes and was asked about his success on the field. Brady responded this way:

BRADY: …There’s times where I’m not the person that I want to be. Why do I have three Super Bowl rings, and still think there’s something greater out there for me? Later he would say “it’s gotta be more than this. I mean this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be. I mean I’ve done it. I’m 27. And what else is there for me?

KROFT: What’s the answer?

BRADY: I wish I knew. I wish I knew…(see Calvary Chapel post)

This was Brady’s response when he had just won 3 Super Bowls. He would go on to win another 4 as he strived in his pursuit to becoming one of the greatest players in the history of American football. Brady in his long career has accomplished what no other quarterback has been able to do by winning 7 Super Bowls. He is widely considered as the GOAT. In an interview, someone asked Brady, which ring is your favorite, where Brady responded…..the next one is always my favorite! In pursuing greatness and Super Bowl rings, Brady has had a long list of personal accomplishments, MVPs titles, division titles and records. If asked the same question, how would Tom respond 20 years later? The apostle Paul loved using sports analogies to portray truth and In 1 Corinthians 9:25, he reminds u of this… read out verse (Show Slide 3)

(Show Slide 4) What are you pursuing in life? Is it greatness, fame, academia, wealth, success, breaking world records, making history? Are you going after the temporal things of life? As believers we are called to pursue something far greater! We can’t be near-sighted in how we live out our lives but must be eternally focused!

We have been looking at Paul’s faithful sayings found in the pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus. Both men were pastors and served in churches established by Paul during the first century. Timothy served as elder in the city of Ephesus and Titus in the island of Crete. The 1st century church used Paul’s faithful sayings to learn the core truths of the Christian Faith. (Show Slide 5-6) In the first saying we learned the core truth of the Gospel message, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). In the second we learned that those who aspire to be pastors or elders in the church, they desire a noble task (1 Tim. 3:1). Today we come across the third saying in our series. It is found in 1 Timothy 4:7-9 where Paul states “…. train yourself for godliness”. Read verses (Show Slide 7-9)

In the first 3 chapters, Paul provided instructions to Timothy how to choose leaders in the church, the conduct of church members, qualifications of those in leadership, but here in chapter 4, Paul transitions his focus back toward false teachers. In this chapter Paul challenges not just Timothy as a leader but believers today that we ought to pursue godliness in our lives. In order to do so, we must understand a few things of importance. This brings us to the 1st point in the outline (Show slide 10): 1. “Pursue sound doctrine.” (v. 1-6)

Read verses 1-5. Paul begins the chapter warning Timothy that false teachers will lead many astray and to apostasy. Apostasy is the willful rejection of God. It’s the abandonment of one’s religion, beliefs and practices. Many will fall away from the faith and leave the church because they are “devoting themselves” or pursuing after false doctrine. Paul's reference to "later times" here is similar to that found in 2 Tim. 3:1, where he says that in the last days will come times of difficulty and deception. However, this phrase is one used as a time period that concludes with the return of Christ. Verses 1-5 mention the various dangers presented by these deceivers. The opening phrase "the Spirit expressly says" is something not used often in Scripture but it does show that what Paul is saying originates from God. Jesus himself warned his disciples of apostasy and that many would reject Him and His truth. Do you know anyone who has rejected Christ? It’s nothing new! In Mark 13:22-23 he says “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard, I have told you all things beforehand.” It should not catch us by surprise if others fall away from the faith. It was true in the 1st century Christianity and its even truer today as false teachers and servants of Satan are leading many to the path of destruction. Sound doctrine is important for the church and the individual believer!

In verses 3-4, Paul mentions two specific things in which the false teachers of his day were wrong. These false teachings were both consistent with the heresy of Gnosticism. In Paul's day, groups such as the Gnostics taught that the spirit was good but matter (the physical) was evil. One such practice was that of “Asceticism”--a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures through self-discipline, self-imposed poverty, simple living, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals.” (Oxford Dictionary). So, anything such as sexuality, marriage and food were physical, and therefore corrupted or evil in nature. They prohibited marriage and eating certain foods to present themselves as more spiritual and holier than others. However, God created marriage to be good and He never prohibited it. In Genesis 1-2, alll that God created was very good and as Creator God He gives us physical things for our enjoyment and to be used as He originally intended it. In Mark 7:19, Jesus clearly taught that all food was clean! It’s not what we eat that makes us corrupted or evil, in reality is what comes out of the heart of man that defile one’s life: evil thought, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person. (Mark 7:14-23)

Now good things can be abused by a fallen humanity but what Paul is getting at is that God’s good gifts should not be rejected but enjoyed and received with a grateful attitude and used for His glory. Are you thankful for the good things that God has given in your life? Listening to false doctrine can prevent us to giving God the glory that is due to Him. Who are you listening to for wisdom? Is it of the world or of God?

Spiritual deception is very real today and it has blinded many eyes to the truth of God’s word. The people that Paul mentions are deceived and fall away because they are not pursuing the truth of God’s word but devoting themselves to demonic teachings. James in 3:15, calls this wisdom not of God, but earthly, unspiritual and demonic as well. These individuals are not putting their faith on sound doctrine but on that which is contrary to the gospel. In the letter to the Galatians Paul writes, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him (Jesus) who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel, not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal. 1:6-9). False teachers had distorted and were preaching a different gospel that effected the Ephesian church and its members. He describes them as hypocrites, liars, whose consciences are seared, literally meaning “to be branded with a hot iron.” This imagery points out that their conscience is destroyed and far gone!. Paul tells Timothy to stay away from these silly myths, unreliable “old wives’ tales”. Don’t waste your time! Focus on what is true!

Paul tells us any doctrine or teaching that contradicts the gospel is of Satan. We need to take heed and watch out so we too are not deceived by false doctrines. Sound Doctrine matters to the Christian believers! So how does one pursue it? Paul in the text identifies says that to be a "good servant", one must know, teach, defend and experience God’s truth in daily living. This is what it means to be a faithful servant of God.

For Timothy to be a good servant of Christ Jesus, he was to have the right approach toward these heretics. His strategy for combating false teaching was to keep and teach the truth to the believers in the church. He was to train in sound biblical doctrine so their minds and hearts would not be lead astray. As a faithful shepherd he was to look out for them and avoid irreverent, silly myths. Paul tells Timothy just like he told Titus (2:1): “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” – We are to promote truth, teach sound doctrine and combat error when we see it! Paul in verse 6 commends Timothy of his faithfulness to the gospel, being trained in the truth and following the good doctrine of the Christian faith. (1 Tim 4:6) If we put our faith and trust in the wrong Jesus, the wrong gospel, the wrong Bible, the wrong doctrine, then we are going to end up in the wrong place and doomed for eternity! (1 Tim. 4:16)

This brings us to the next point—(Show Slide 11): 2. Pursue godliness (vv. 7-12)

In verse 7, Paul writes: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.”

What does the command “train for godliness” mean? Is it training to be a good person? Is it training to be a spiritual person? I don’t think so! This type of training is not for everyone, but for true believers in the faith and in the Lord. It’s for those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus. There are many people in the world today who strive to be good and do good works and yet they don’t believe in Jesus. There are those who claim that they are spiritual and not religious, who pursue secular spirituality, legalism or other forms of self-improvement. Paul is not talking about them here. This truth of training for godliness is for those who belong to Jesus, who are born again and are part of His church! Training for godliness means that we are becoming more and more like Jesus each and every day by living out God’s purpose and plan for our lives.

Paul illustrates this truth by comparing the physical training to godliness training.

As it relates to physical training, we know that it requires a lot of discipline to be an Olympian or a professional athlete competing at the highest level of sports. (Show Slide 12)

Michael Phelp’s pursuit to greatness were the results of thousands of hours and miles in the pool. The most decorated swimmer of all time, Michael Phelps (winning 28 medals), used to swim 50 miles every week and put in thousands of hours and miles in his career to stay fit, competitive and become the GOAT. (Groundwork). On a side note, I don’t think I can swim a mile per week at the pool.

Pastor Hughes in his book “Disciplines of a Godly Man” wrote this: We will never get anywhere in life without disciple, be in the arts, the trades, business, athletics, or academics.” (p.19)

For us to train in godliness, we must remove and get rid of unhealthy habits that prevent us from pursuing godliness. Hebrews 12:1 puts it like this “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside (or throw off) every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” How are we doing in our personal pursuit of godliness? What things are weighing you down and preventing you from training in godliness? Training in godliness requires personal discipline not just for the pastors or leader of a church but for all of us who are part of God’s family! It should be important to all of us!

See this topic of godliness is mentioned 15 times in the N.T. 12 of these references are found in the Pastoral letters to Timothy and Titus. The other 3 are found in Peter. Why are they found primarily here? These are letters to Christian leaders. Godliness is a calling of all believers but is especially important to those in church leadership, those who lead because they have a great responsibility and accountability to God first and their church! Our goal or priority in life is to pursue godliness, is to walk with Jesus daily and become the man or woman that He has called us to be! For believers, and especially pastors and leaders in the church, it requires a lot of commitment, dedication, intentionality to cultivate a life of spiritual growth and health in our personal lives and church community.

Why is Paul encouraging Timothy to train in this area? He provides the answer in the following verses, 8-10

Bodily fitness is temporary, but spiritual fitness (godliness) last for eternity!

It is valuable in every area of life

It has eternal value/rewards

It has a present and futuristic promise---That promise is Jesus and eternal life

Because we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God

It requires a proactive approach to our godly living—learn, teach, obey and live out God’s truths

Because it’s an ongoing process/journey—we must intentionally grow in this area by relying in the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

In 1 Timothy 6:6-7 Paul says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.”

1 Timothy 6:11-12: “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things (referring to the worldly things). Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” Fight the good fight of the faith! This is daily battle!

According to 2 Peter 1:3, Godliness is possible because of Jesus! He has given us everything in order to pursue godliness. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us and His word so we can know how to life godly lives.

God calls us to Cultivate godliness, be proactive in it…be intentional about our spiritual growth… go after it with all of our might and make every effort; with all that is in us. “The call to train ourselves for godliness also suggests directing all of our energy toward that goal.” (Hughes p. 21)

Physical exercise or training is beneficial for our health today, but it won’t last forever. (Show slide 13) I saw this saying on a t-shirt and it had me thinking… “Eat well, stay fit, die anyway”. Not a great motivation slogan for a gym membership! How many of us focus on the physical more than the spiritual? Now Paul is not saying that we should not focus on our physical training. Physical fitness is a good thing. After all, our body is also the temple of the Holy Spirit and we must take care of it. Paul states that physical training is of some importance, but is less important than a godly life. Physical fitness only benefits us while we have this body, but on the other hand, spiritual training for godliness impacts eternity. Paul knew that godliness is better and more long-lasting that any trophy, medal or perishable wreath. Is my valuable than Super Bowl rings or anything else the world has to offer. Godliness is the process of sanctification in the life of a believer. Timothy as a pastor, was told to focus on his personal godliness by teaching sound doctrine, learning, instructing and living a life of obedience before God and others. The training in godliness involves more than just knowledge but calls for godly living in every area of a believer’s life. We see these areas mentioned in verse 11-12 “Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (Show slide 14)

Paul includes 5 areas that are tied to godliness that a believer should pursue and train in daily:

Godliness is of supreme importance for all Christians, especially those who are leading the body of Christ. We must set an example in all these areas because they reflect God’s character and we must be imitators of Christ…they reveal the heart of Jesus!

Jerry Bridges said this: “Godliness is more important than your commitment to any path to success.”

This brings us to the last point: (Show Slide 15) 3. Pursue Diligence in ministry and personal life (v. 13-16)

As an athlete is disciplined in pursuit to success, we ought to be diligent in our service to the Lord and also be cautious how we life our lives. It’s not an easy lifestyle and it can be overwhelming, and seem impossible at times, but look at the encouraging words we find in the text. Keep your eyes focused on the hope that we have in Christ. In verse 10, “For to this end we toil and strive, (why we toil and work hard at training in godliness) because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” We must look beyond to the ultimate reward—Jesus!

How are we to spiritually grow and be diligent in all these areas? --By being proactive and intentional! Notice the language that Paul uses:

You have to train yourself

For to this end we toil and strive—that means hard work…not laziness

Devote yourself to the public reading of the Scripture; teaching; exhorting

Practice these things

Immerse yourself in them---grow deep

Watch yourself….why so that you may see your progress, your growth to godliness…

Keep a close watch on yourself

Persist in this

By not neglect the gift you have that was given to you

All these commands say that you are actively engaged in the pursuit of godliness…It doesn’t just fall on you, you have to train daily in our Christian spiritual disciplines.

Paul urges Timothy to continue to be faithful to his calling in life and ministry to the church. He tells you and me today to do the same. him to: Persist in this, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Obedience in training in godliness results in the salvation of those who respond to God’s truth and the Gospel.

Where is your hope set? If we set out pursuit to something temporal…we will be disappointed. For us believers our hope is Jesus, the living God, our Savior. We will gain eternity with Christ in heaven. If you want to find hope in Jesus, please talk to me personally, our elders, Pastor Joel and we can share with you what God says in his word. There is good news…You don’t have to live without hope. (Show Slide 16)

In Acts 16:31 Peter provides the answer... Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. But it doesn’t end there.…. When you believe in Jesus’ redemptive work, he will help you through a process called Santification, where we are to live and train daily to be more like Jesus for this life into eternity.

Let’s Pray: Lord Jesus, help us each day to be intentional in pursuing godliness and seeking you first and foremost. Help us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age looking forward to your return and your eternal reward. Amen.

Study Resources:

Hughes, R. Kent. Disciplines of a Godly Man

Knight, W. George. The Layman’s Bible Handbook: 1 Timothy

Sailhamer, H. John. NIV Compact Bible Commentary: 1 Timothy

Litfin, Duane A. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: 1 Timothy

Life Application Study Bible: 1 Timothy (NLT)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Brady

https://calvarychapel.com/posts/theres-gotta-be-more-than-this-tom-brady/

https://www.bibleref.com/1-Timothy/4/1-Timothy-4-1.html

https://openthebible.org/article/15-bible-verses-on-godliness/

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