5 areas of training for Godliness

 Read 1 Timothy 4.

The Apostle Paul wrote to a relatively young Pastor Timothy to encourage him as he faced some ministry challenges.  All false teachings are deceitful in that they have been made to sound Christian but, in fact, are not.  False teaching is always energized by demonic spirits.  In truth, such doctrines and their communicators are insincere liars, whose consciences become so callous they no longer understand right from wrong, moral from immoral, or God's word from man's word.

What is a true follower of Christ to do?  There is a negative and a positive answer in verse 7.
Negative:  "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths."
Positive: "Rather train yourself for godliness."

There are five key areas where this training must take place and, thus, "set an example" of godliness for others.
1. In speech.
All words have meaning.  One of the devices of the Devil is to change the definition and usage of words.  This easily proved by simply listening to our culture.  Jesus stated that we will be held accountable for our words.  Paul wrote, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  If our speech is not giving grace to others, then we need to examine our communication before the Lord.
2. In conduct.
God has a claim on our behavior.  All conduct either honors or dishonors God.  Titus 2:1-8 contains some general expectations of younger and older, men and women, slave and free, "so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior."  Our conduct communicates the genuineness of our commitment to Christ.
3. In love.
This refers to the self-sacrificing kind of love; the kind God has demonstrated to us by sending Jesus to die for our sins.  There is no room for selfishness and pride.  To serve others effectively requires a love that flows from humility.
4. In faith.
There is no substitute for having absolute confidence in the Lord and the Scriptures.  Without trusting God's sovereignty in all situations, we will become shaken by circumstances.  Without knowing and obeying the word of God, our faith will sway in the winds of cultural opinions.  It is this confidence that spurs us on to tell others the good news of Jesus.
5. In purity.
This is the price of living a godly life.  We are to "flee youthful passions" (2 Timothy 2:22).  "Submit yourselves therefore to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:7-8)