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Exercise to Godliness


There are many benefits to exercise.  Those who compete in sports know exercise will make them more competitive.  Because each sport uses different muscles, athletes seek exercises to benefit that sport.  Those who run or cycle must exercise their legs while those who swim or pole vault exercise both arms and legs.  A good gym is equipped with the machines to develop muscles for all types of sports.

Paul uses exercise and competition as a way to show what we can do as Christians (1Cor 9:24; 2Tim 2:5).  He told Timothy to “exercise yourself toward godliness.  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.” (1 Tim 4:7-8) Just as a young runner is coached to exercise himself toward running, a godly Timothy is coached to exercise himself toward godliness.  Like any good coach Paul exhorted Timothy to train the “muscles” by finding exercises that will help him master godliness.  Timothy is not strengthening legs or arms.  He is using exercise to strengthen his soul.  Just as there is a gym for bodily exercise, there is a gym for godliness (spiritual exercise).

Such exercises can only be created by searching Scripture and seeking those things that will strengthen and master.  Since they must be devised by ourselves, we must know what we seek to develop.  A runner knows he needs strong legs.  The godly man knows he must strengthen his soul.  When we know the qualities that are created by godliness, we can create the exercises to strengthen them.

Godliness. The Greek word “godliness” is defined: “piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him,” “sacred awe, reverence, awe well directed.” With these definitions we conclude a godly servant looks to God at all times (Godward attitude) with sacred awe.  But this only gives the framework, like a blueprint on paper.  We need Scripture to reveal the practical applications of godliness.

Several songs written by inspiration reveal it to us.  “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.  2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When shall I come and appear before God” (Ps 42:1-2)?  Can our heart make melody with this song and our heart strings vibrate with emotion?  Exercising toward godliness leaves our soul panting for God with a powerful thirst to be in his presence.  It is a loving devotion that fills our heart, soul, and mind.

The qualities that create such a thirst are exactly the same ones we treasure in our spouse.  Husbands and wives love one another because they realize how much better life is with them.  A spouse makes life more fulfilling and exciting for we share it together.  In the same way godliness comes when we see how much better our life is because we share it with God.  “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Ps 103:2-5) Gratitude for God’s generosity leads to reverence and devotion.

The essence of a close walk with God is complete devotion and reverence.  “O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.  So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory.  Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.  Thus I will bless You while I live” (Ps 63:1-4).  Here is the heart and soul of godliness - an intense need for God leading to continual fellowship and walking together.  We want to go where God leads, we want to be what God desires, and we want to do what He asks of us.  We want all this because we respect and love Him.  What exercises can we do to strengthen and master such convictions?

Spiritual Exercises. There are many exercise “machines” in the spiritual realm that afford many specific exercises.  I have grouped the “machines” that have been most helpful to me.  These are the things that strengthen and enhance our godly walk.
Prayer
  • Pray without ceasing - I Th 5:17
  • Continue steadfastly in prayer - Col 4:2
  • Pray always with all prayer - Eph 6:18
  • Continuing steadfastly in prayer - Rom 12:12
  • Be serious and watchful in your prayers - 1 Pet 4:7
Thanksgiving
  • In everything give thanks; this is God’s will - 1Th 5:18 
  • Giving thanks always for all things to God - Eph 5:20
  • Be thankful; giving thanks to God the Father - Col 3:15,17
  • Continually offer the sacrifice of praise the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name - Heb 13:15
Bible Reading and Meditation
  • Read/Hear - Deut 6:6-9; 11:18-21; Jas 1:19-22
  • Meditate - Josh 1:8-9; Ps 1:1-2
  • Enlighten our heart with knowledge - Eph 1:18-19​
Worship in Spirit and Truth
  • Not forsaking our own assembling together - Heb 10:24-25
  • Swift to hear, trembling - Acts 2:42; Jas 1:19ff
  • Making melody in our hearts to the Lord - Eph 5:19
  • Saying AMEN with understanding - I Cor 14:16
  • Discerning body in remembrance - I Cor 11:23ff
  • Give not grudging for God loves cheerful giver - II Cor 9:7
A Vessel for Honor 2 Tim 2:20-22
  • Diligently add to your faith - II Pet 1:3-11
  • Fruits of the Spirit - Gal 5:22-23
  • Put on the whole armor of God - Eph 6:10-16
  • Blessed are .  .  .  - Mt 5:1-12
  • Think on these things - Phil 4:8
Love not the World 1 Jn 2:15-17
  • Deny yourself; Take your cross daily - Lk 9:23
  • Put to death your members on the earth - Col 3:5
  • Put off the old man and put on the new - Eph 4:17-5:21
  • Crucify the lusts of the flesh - Gal 5:19-21
  • Don’t consent with those who practice evil - Rom 1:28-32
Godliness is a devotion to God that always keeps Him in our thoughts.  It is our need for God to fill the emptiness of our soul.  It is an emotional commitment to God that seeks to always please Him.  It is piety, reverence, godliness and holiness.  The godly view God as their best friend with His feelings and desires being more important than anything else.  They seek to draw near to God through holiness and purity.  They long to please Him, honor Him and praise Him.  The heart of the godly enjoys all the blessings God has given and shows gratitude and appreciation for them through love and devotion.  All that we can do to strengthen and enhance these things is “exercise toward godliness.”
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