“Training For Godliness”
SERMON Title: Training For Godliness
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 ESV
Introduction
Paul wrote this letter urging young pastor Timothy to guard the gospel in Ephesus—a city buzzing with commerce, pagan worship, and false teaching. Some were redefining spirituality on their own terms, drifting from the truth. Paul reminds Timothy in 3:14–15 that the church is the “household of God…a pillar and buttress of the truth.” The church is not a social club or spiritual pit stop but a living reflection of God’s Kingdom. Its life and witness must be shaped by the gospel.
But the battle is not only external; it is internal. Paul warns in 4:1 that “some will depart from the faith.” They will cling to hollow religion without Christ. Drift happens when God’s people stop training. That’s why Paul’s charge to “train yourself for godliness” remains urgent today. Godliness is not automatic—it must be cultivated by the gospel.
Today, let’s consider four truths about godliness:
Godliness is Rooted in Christ
Godliness Must Be Trained With Intentionality
Godliness is Fueled by Hope in the Living God
Godliness is Passed On Through Example
1. Godliness is Rooted in Christ
Before giving instructions, Paul reminds Timothy of the foundation: “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and the good doctrine that you have followed” (v.6). Godliness is not about self-improvement but being shaped by the gospel—the truth of Christ’s incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and glory (3:16).
Christ is the mystery of godliness revealed. He lived in perfect holiness, embraced ordinary life, and through His cross and resurrection made us holy. True godliness flows from union with Him.
False teachers, however, promoted counterfeit holiness by forbidding marriage and certain foods (4:1–5). This looks spiritual but denies Christ’s power. We see similar distortions today in legalism, diluted “progressive” gospels, or spiritual practices that borrow Christian language but lack Christ.
Paul’s antidote is clear: anchor yourself in the gospel. Godliness begins with knowing and being transformed by Christ. But knowing the truth is not enough; it must be trained into our lives.
2. Godliness Must Be Trained With Intentionality
Paul urges: “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way” (vv.7–8). The word “train” comes from the Greek gumnázō—discipline like an athlete in the gym. Godliness does not come by drifting, being raised in a Christian home, or attending church occasionally. It requires daily discipline.
Physical training has benefits in this life, but godliness shapes both the present and eternity. Without deliberate training, cultural pressures—work, school, success, social media—will form us more than Christ.
So what does gospel training look like?
Daily Scripture: not just for information but heart transformation.
Prayer: honest communion with God.
Confession and repentance: embracing grace regularly.
Church life: serving and receiving encouragement.
Training takes effort, but its rewards far surpass physical fitness. As Paul insists, godliness impacts every sphere of life now and forever.
3. Godliness is Fueled by Hope in the Living God
Paul reminds Timothy that training is not joyless duty but hope-filled perseverance:
“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (v.10).
Our hope rests in the living God—who sent Christ, works by His Spirit, and promises eternal life. God’s salvation is offered to all, but effective for those who believe. For believers, this hope sustains daily endurance and eternal security.
When training feels slow or wearisome, we press on because our confidence is anchored in God Himself. Hope in the living God transforms toil into joy.
4. Godliness is Passed On Through Example
Paul exhorts Timothy not only to teach but to live godliness: “Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (v.12). People absorb truth most deeply through embodied lives, not just words.
Our speech should build up, our conduct show integrity, our love demonstrate sacrifice, our faith endure in trial, and our purity display devotion to Christ. Godliness multiplies when it is modeled.
Paul presses further: “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (v.13). In the early church, Scripture was heard aloud each week, planting truth in hearts. Exhortation pressed God’s Word into conscience, and teaching provided understanding. Together with example, these practices kept the church anchored in truth.
Paul sums it up in v.15: “Practice these things, immerse yourself in them.” Godliness is a lifelong devotion that shapes us and those who follow us.
Conclusion
We are living in days where many subtly drift from the faith. The church is called to be a pillar of truth, embodying Christ to a watching world. This requires intentional training—gospel-rooted, Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered discipline.
So commit yourself to training. Immerse yourself in the Word. Engage in prayer and community. Let Christ shape your life. Remember, godliness is not only for your sake but for the generations after you. Your faithfulness can steady someone else’s soul.
Press on, brothers and sisters. Keep striving, keep hoping, keep living out the gospel with courage and grace. God is at work, and He will finish His work in you.
Reflection and Response
As we close, consider these questions:
What voices or habits shape your view of godliness more than the gospel?
Where is God calling you to train with greater intentionality?
How might your example be influencing someone else’s faith?
Let us invite the Spirit to continue His transforming work in us as we train for godliness.