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”?
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