1 Timothy 4:7,8

 Introduction

 The Pursuit of Godliness is Rigorous and Rewarding

 I. Wise Living – The Negative

v.7a – “Have nothing to do with…” – these words are imperatives or commands

 2 Timothy 2:23 – “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.”

 II. Wise Living – The Positive

v.7b – “Rather train (discipline) yourself for godliness…”

 ‘train (discipline)’ – gumnazo means to exercise so as to discipline oneself (in the moral or ethical "gym" so to speak) or to exercise vigorously, in any way, either the body or the mind.

 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

 ‘yourself’ - is a reflexive pronoun. The idea of "reflexive" is that it expresses action directed or turned back on oneself.

 “God does in fact work in a mysterious way to make us godly, but He does not do this apart from the fulfillment of our own personal responsibility.” Jerry Bridges 

 ‘godliness’ - means "Godlikeness" which means to have the character and attitude of God. It is manifest by devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him.

 "Godliness… means a love for the things of God and a walk in the ways of God." Piper

 Conclusion