8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.” (1 Timothy 4:8–9 (ESV)
The following brief excerpt is from Pastor Charles H. Spurgeon. He preached this message June 19, 1870. It is entitled The Profit of Godliness in this Life.
YOUR attention will be the more readily given to this passage, because Paul declares it to be a “faithful”—a most true and certain saying, and “worthy of all acceptance,” that is to say, worthy to be received and practiced by us all.
Paul has four of these faithful sayings. The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
The second is our text (I Timothy 4:9).
The third is in 2 Timothy 2:12, “It is a faithful saying, if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.”
The fourth is Titus 3:8. “This is a faithful saying that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”
We may trace a connection between these faithful sayings. The first one lays the foundation of our eternal salvation in the free grace of God, as shown to us in the mission of the great Redeemer. The next affirms the double blessedness which we obtain through this salvation—the blessings of the upper and nether springs—of time and of Eternity. The third shows one of the duties to which the chosen people are called, we are ordained to suffer for Christ with the promise that “if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.” The last sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good
works.
Thus, we have the root of salvation in free grace. Next, we have the privileges of that salvation in the life which now is, and in that which is to come. And we have also the two great branches of suffering with Christ, and serving with Christ, loaded with the fruits of the Spirit.
Let us treasure up these faithful sayings. Let them be the guides of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The apostle of the Gentiles proved them to be faithful, they are faithful still, not one word shall fall to the ground. They are worthy of all acceptance, let us accept them now, and prove their faithfulness. Let these four faithful sayings be written on the four corners of your house.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 