Profile of a Healthy Believer

1 Timothy 4:7 - 16

FPBC December 4, 2005 [SS]

What are the components of a physical fitness plan? (diet, exercise, rest, hygiene, etc.)  This lesson will consider how a believer can promote personal spiritual health.  Paul outlines a 5-part fitness program for developing spiritually healthy believers.

Paul deals in reality.  Too many people become involved in things so esoteric that they are of no real value; the spiritual equivalent of fad diets.

The first point was covered on Nov. 27.  Begin at 2nd point on December 4

Ambitious exercise                                  1 Timothy 4:7, 8

Right focus

·        Not false teaching

·        Not religious trivia

·        Godliness

o       What is godliness?   Living in such a manner that our lives are a reflection of God’s character.

o       The active pursuit of godliness profits a believer both now and for eternity.

Disciplined program

·        Exercise (gymnaze) was rigorous training intended to improve a person’s skill or fitness.

o       Realize that Christ is the source of strength for your spiritual fitness program         2 Peter 1:3

o       Increase knowledge of Christ, the personification of godliness       Phil. 3:7 – 14

o       Identify specific areas in your character and spiritual development that need strengthening. 2 Cor. 13:5

o       Find an exercise partner you can be accountable to, helping you achieve your objectives    Heb. 10:24

o       Recognize that God uses discipline to correct you and make you spiritually stronger.          Heb. 12:5 – 12

o       Develop through the study of the Word your ability to discern good and evil            Heb. 5:14

·        This investment is worthy (verse 8)!

Consistent living                                  1 Timothy 4:11, 12

Youthful dilemma

·        His age, position, and who he followed (Paul) may have led to a slight inferiority complex

Godly example

·        A healthy believer lives an exemplary, Christlike life and so wins the respect of others and influences their lives.

Faithfully dieting                                        1 Timothy 4:13

A tragic loss

·        With only one ingredient in the diet, to lose the faithful preaching and teaching of the Word is tragedy indeed!

o       How does the Word lose its prominence in some churches?

Valuable practice

·        A healthy believer is focused on the Word of God and isn’t side-tracked by less significant matters.

o       Reading the Word

o       Exhortation (explaining and applying) of the Word

o       Doctrine of the Word (systematic teaching of Biblical principles) developing a strong skeletal system of truth.

Actively serving                                   1 Timothy 4:14, 15

A wasted resource

·        What is a spiritual gift?

o       An ability God gives a believer to enable him to do the work God has for him.

Challenging reminder

o       A healthy believer is to give himself entirely to the ministry God has called him to do.

Carefully evaluating                                  1 Timothy 4:16

·        Am I strengthening my walk with the Lord?

·        Am I pursuing spiritual growth?

·        Am I maintaining doctrinal integrity?

o       We have a responsibility to pursue spiritual growth!

·        Am I influencing others for Christ?

Hand out paper and envelopes.  Challenge students to write the following:  “I will exercise myself to godliness in the area of         .”  Seal the paper in the envelopes and collect them to be distributed at the end of the study.