Fit for fight and strife?

NORSK
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 strive
1 Tim 4:9-10a

The 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).

‘Manna’ for today:

Declared fit for fight?

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(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

Train to be fit

NORSK
When Paul yesterday gave the challenge: “train yourself to be godly!”, I am convinced that he was thinking about what we can learn from physical exercises and training. On several occasions Paul used images and terminology from the sports-arena (1), and today he continues:

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 Tim 4:8  

Although I have never been overly interested in sports or have been in the category of the “well-trained”, I have always tried to do some exercises for the benefit of my physical condition. It is certainly "of some value", not least because my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (2), but also because the principles of good physical training programme are compatible with the principles for training in "godliness".

Here are some examples:

• The effect of a daily dose of training is greater than one single large dose per week.
• Training can be pleasurable, but it is important to exercise even when it does not feel like a pleasure
• Exercise requires more discipline in the beginning, but gets easier when it becomes a habit.
• Variation of training can improve the results.
• Regular training together with others enhances performance
• To keep a training log will support your progress.
• Many athletes benefit from having a personal trainer.

‘Manna’ for today:

Training in godliness “has value for all things”.

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(1) E.g. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24  -  NB More references will come later in this series

(2) 1 Cor 3:16-17