This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.
Summary: Looking back at Paul’s ‘trustworthy sayings’ helps us gain perspective on his strategy for the Lord’s churches.
The words in this passage represent the third time Paul has pointed to a “trustworthy saying.”
Our first encounter with saying was in our meditation titled, “1 Timothy 1:15a – Unchanging.” In this meditation, we talked about the challenges of forming churches in a day and age when people were isolated from each other, and communication over distance was difficult. Paul’s saying was simple: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”
Our next meetup was “1 Timothy 3:1 – Regula Fidei.” The Regula Fidei, or “Rule of Faith,” was in itself a kind of “trustworthy saying.” In fact, it was an early version of the Apostle’s Creed, a reminder of what is important about our faith in Jesus Christ. This was inspired by Paul’s ‘saying’ about overseers.
Now, we find ourselves addressing Paul’s third ‘trustworthy saying’ in this letter:
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.“ (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
Paul’s first saying tells us the truth: Christ Jesus came to save sinners.
Paul’s second saying tells us that helping others hold onto the truth is a “noble task” (1 Timothy 3:1).
Paul’s third saying is all about what to avoid. Don’t listen to anything that isn’t the truth about Jesus.
The challenge we all face is that the devil is a master at disguising his lies so that they sound like truth. When Jesus was tested in the wilderness after forty days without food, Satan used twisted truths to test him (Matthew 4:1-11):
Hungry, Jesus? Just turn these rocks into bread! (You can do it!)
What? You didn’t do it? Well then, jump off the peak of the temple and prove you are the Son of God.
Okay. I’ll tell you what — bow down to me, and I’ll give you everything you want.
In each case, Jesus turned to God’s Word for his answer. In every case we face, we should do the same.
Application: Trust Jesus and trust God’s Word.
Food for Thought: What is a modern example of a “godless myth” or “old wives’ tale”?
Please click ‘’Continue Reading” for comments.
I think this is one: “God helps those who help themselves.” People quote that line like it is from the Bible, but it is actually from Aesop’s fable “Hercules and the Wagoner.”
The basic concept of the line is “God rewards self-initiative and self-reliance.” That we have to prove our worthiness for help from the Lord first, and then He will help us. The good path is to ask for the Lord’s help first, and then act in faith on His guidance. Sometimes the guidance is to act, and sometimes the guidance is to wait. In all things, ask the Lord, wait on the Lord, act in faith from the Lord. Whatever abilities we have, that God gave us, will then be used to His glory, for His purpose, and our path will be straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Lamentations 3:25 The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Thank you, Chris!
Great example and one I would not have thought of!
I think the examples abound on social media through podcasters today. So many twisting scripture it is hard to pick just one. But we should be vigilant when we hear any truth claim to test it against Scripture.