A Faithful Saying 1 Timothy 4:9

Paul the apostle knew false teachings and heresies would be promoted among the church members in Ephesus. He warned Timothy his “son in the faith” who was to be pastor and overseer of the church there of their presence, and told him to “refuse profane and old wives' fables” and to “exercise” himself “rather unto godliness”. Paul said, “bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable unto all things” because he knew that “godliness” would not only benefit the “promise of the life that now is”, but also “of that which is to come”. In chapter four and verse nine of his letter, Paul confirms his statement by declaring it to be “faithful” were we read:

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

The verse begins, “This is a faithful saying...”. Paul confirms and validates his previous statement by declaring, “This is a faithful” which means “reliable, trustworthy, certain and true” “saying” or “uttering, discourse or speech”. As though he needed to emphasize his point a second time to Timothy, Paul declared his conclusion concerning “godliness” to be certain, true and worthy of trust.

The verse goes on to say, “... and worthy of all acceptation.” Paul added to the confirmation of his statement concerning “godliness” by adding, “and worthy” which means “weighing, having weight, having the weight of another thing of like value, worth as much, befitting, congruous and corresponding to a thing” “of all” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things and everything both individually and collectively” “acceptation” or “reception, admission, acceptance and approbation”. According to Paul, everyone, everywhere would benefit from receiving, admitting, accepting and appropriating “godliness” into their lives.

While we meditate upon Paul's words, can we declare that we have “godliness” or “being like God” as a major component of our lives? Do we count “godliness” as being “profitable” in this life, and do we think about the benefits of it in “the life to come”? Perhaps our thoughts and prayers today should be upon the idea of having “godliness” such an integral part of our being that we too are able to declare unto others the faithfulness and worthiness of the “saying” Paul wrote to Timothy. May the Lord Jesus help us to be “godly” in this world, and may we find the idea of “godliness” both faithful and worthy in our lives every day.

Next time Paul shares concerning those of whom the Lord is the Savior, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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