1 Timothy 4:6-10
Introduction
God bless everyone! Today’s teaching was based on 1 Timothy 4:6-10, and delivered by Pastor Abel Rivera. If you missed it, here’s an optimized recap that draws out the key points from the sermon—designed for clarity and spiritual encouragement.
Recap: The Book of 1 Timothy
Pastor Abel began by reminding us of the broader context of 1 Timothy. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his “true son in the faith,” urging him to lead the church by rooting out false teachings. These false teachings promoted controversies and misapplied the law, shifting attention away from the foundational truths of Christianity.
Paul’s guidance throughout 1 Timothy covers:
Using the law lawfully and remembering God’s grace (even for the “worst of sinners”).
Encouragement to “fight the good fight” and keep a clear conscience.
Instructions for prayer, especially for those in authority.
Qualities required for church leaders—overseers and deacons must manage their own households well.
Warning against deceptive teachings, such as forbidding marriage or certain foods, and affirming that all God’s creation is good when received with thanksgiving.
Diving into 1 Timothy 4:6-10 – Three Key Points
Pastor Abel structured today’s message around three essential concepts in these verses:
The Goal
The Training
The Reason
1. The Goal: What Makes a Good Servant of Christ?
In verse 6, Paul urges Timothy to point out the truth to fellow believers, which marks him as “a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and good teaching.”
What identifies a good servant?
Knows Christ as the King of kings and personal Savior.
Acknowledges Christ as the one who saves from darkness and brings us into righteousness.
Daily surrenders personal rights to serve God and others.
Dies daily to sin, allowing Christ’s life to shine through.
Galatians 2:20 and Titus 2:11-12 reinforce this: a good servant is both knowledgeable in Scripture and lives it out practically, even when life isn’t perfect.
Holiness means reflecting God’s character, not conforming to the world. As Jerry Bridges says, “Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.” God calls us to pursue holy living—and that applies just as much today as it did 2000 years ago.
2. The Training: Pursuing Godliness
How do we grow as good servants? By training in godliness!
Paul’s athletic analogy clarifies this: Training in godliness is a continuous, rigorous process. Just as physical training has limits (it only benefits us while we’re alive and only impacts outward health), spiritual training produces eternal results.
Spiritual discipline is essential:
Avoid pointless myths and false teachings—they only distract.
Feed continuously on the truth of Scripture.
Practice spiritual self-discipline, allowing God’s Word to shape your actions and attitudes.
1 Timothy 4:8 states, “Godliness is beneficial in every way. It holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Physical exercise is temporary, but spiritual exercise benefits every aspect of life—relationships, challenges, and our eternal destiny.
3. The Reason: Our Hope in the Living God
Verse 10 explains the motivation for this labor:
“We labor and strive because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially those who believe.”
We serve, persevere, and strive—not to earn salvation, but in gratitude because we’re already saved. Our hope is in the eternal promises of God. Paul underscores this distinction: while God offers temporal blessings to everyone (common grace, compassion, warnings to repent, and a universal Gospel invitation), eternal salvation is assured specifically for “those who believe.”
Examples of God’s universal grace:
Common Grace: God's goodness restrains sin, maintains societal order, and provides for all.
Compassion: God shows loving pity, even to those who rebel.
Warnings to Repent: God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, constantly inviting repentance.
Universal Gospel Invitation: Jesus calls everyone to Himself—no one is excluded from the invitation.
Yet, the special promise—the gift of eternal life—is reserved for believers.
Final Thoughts
Faithful servants of Christ live with eternal hope. Their focus is not on worldly success or temporary comfort, but on pleasing God and preparing for eternity. The trials and hardships we face now pale in comparison to the glory ahead.
As Pastor Abel concluded, let us strive to be good, faithful servants—actively training in godliness, anchoring our hope in the living God, and reflecting His character every day.
Prayer: “Father, make us diligent athletes exercising spiritual discipline. Help us recognize that godliness is valuable in every way, holding promises for now and forever. Use our hope and faith to fuel our diligent efforts for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you found this blog helpful, share it with someone who needs encouragement in their spiritual journey, and remember to keep nourishing your spirit with God’s Word!
