1 Timothy 4:8

“For bodily exercise”: Some writers argue that “bodily exercise” in this context refers to the practices in 1 Timothy 4:1-3, yet Paul does not argue that such practices are of. little profit, rather he argues that they are sinful and the doctrines of demons. The contrast is not between asceticism and godliness, but between physical exercise and spiritual exercise. Remember, Paul had just used the term “discipline” (a term that means to exercise vigorously, from which we derive the English term “gymnastic”) in 1 Timothy 4:7.

1 Timothy 4:8 “Is only of little profit”: The term “little” means that bodily exercise has definite limits as far as value and profit is concerned. Such exercise only benefits us in this life, and only benefits. small area of your life. “The ruins of. great stadium, scene of athletic contests at Ephesus when Timothy lived there, have remained until modern times. The Greeks gave. great emphasis to the attainment of physical strength, grace, and skill. Paul does not deny. certain value to physical development, but he insists that its worth is limited in time and nature” (Reese p. 174).

1 Timothy 4:8 “But godliness is profitable for all things”: “By godliness Paul means that conduct of life which is according to the standard of the Word of God” (1 Timothy 3:16)” (Kent p. 157). The statement “all things” is explained in the next line.

1 Timothy 4:8 “Since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come”:

“For the entire well-being, physical and spiritual, temporal and eternal. There is no guarantee for the worldly prosperity of the godly. But it does make for ‘a true well-being in this life and obtains life's real good, since it places man in right relations to God and the world, and fits him for the true enjoyment of all earthly good” (Hiebert p. 82). “Every worthwhile experience of this life is enriched by godliness. Infidelity makes no promise of future happiness. Vice promises pleasure for the present life, and disappoints both here and hereafter” (Reese p. 176). There are many blessings for being. faithful Christian in this life (Matthew 6:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; Ephesians 6:3; 1 Peter 3:10). In contrast, the life here of the transgressor is hard (Proverbs 13:15).

1 Timothy 4:8 “For the life to come”: Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:34; 2 Timothy 4:7; 2 Peter 1:10; Revelation 2:7.