1 TIMOTHY 4
Watch yourself (1–5). Satan is at work spreading false doctrine, and his ministers are already in the church (
Exercise yourself (6–10). If believers would put as much effort into the spiritual life as they do their recreation and hobbies, what a difference it would make! Physical exercise is important, but spiritual exercise is even more essential. Both discipline and devotion are needed to make a winning athlete and an effective Christian.
Give yourself (11–16). It takes real effort to grow in the Christian life and to be successful in Christian service. God asks for our wholehearted surrender, no matter what the cost. Ponder these admonitions that Paul wrote to Timothy and see how they apply in your life.
Advance!
The word translated “progress” in 1 Timothy 4:15 means “pioneer advance.” As we walk with the Lord and serve Him, we must move into new territory and not stay the same spiritually. There are new truths to learn, new battles to fight, and new victories to win. “Restlessness is discontent,” said Thomas Alva Edison, “and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.”