The terminology Paul uses in his letters to Timothy, fits well with the one we use in the Salvation Army. When he urged his disciple to train himself to be godly, it was because of the importance of the promises linked to godliness concerning this present life and the life to come. Godliness is also the foundation for living as a disciple of Jesus in the world:
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labour and striveThe trustworthy saying Paul writes about, is the word of salvation. He made that clear even in the beginning of the letter (1), and it is a central thought in many of his letters (2). Again he goes to the core of the Gospel. Everything else is subordinate this one truth: Salvation in Jesus is available for all men. That is what the labour and strive is all about, and that is why it is important to be well trained and in good shape as good soldier to please the commanding officer (3).
1 Tim 4:9-10a
‘Manna’ for today:
Declared fit for fight?-------------------------------
(1) 1 Tim 1:15
(2) E.g. Titus 3:4-8 which is a summary of the gospel that has to be communicated as a ‘trustworthy saying’. See also 1 Cor 1:18 and Rom 10:8
(3) 2 Tim 2:3-4
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