September 12, 2022 – 1 Timothy 4:7b-10 — Being Trained-Up in G-dliness

September 12, 2022

“Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

“The problem is, the same Jesus who died and rose again for you died and rose again for your archenemy. And this is just plain unfair by the world’s standards. That’s the thing about God’s grace. No one deserves it, yet it’s given for all. It’s the same unfair grace that Jesus used when he forgave the guys nailing him to the cross-while they were swinging the hammers. It’s unfair, but it’s not so bad-because each day we need that sort of grace too.” Laurie Hanson. The Funny Shape of Faith: Devotions for the Rest of Us (p. 102). Kindle Edition.

Because of G-d’s amazing grace, we have an advocate waiting to teach us — and that advocate is the Holy Spirit. In fact we cannot train up ourselves in godliness on our own — it takes the support of the spirit. But the Holy Spirit will not wake you up in the morning to get you motivated. You and I must remain open to the spirit, open to the presence of the spirit, and expecting the spirit to move just when we least expect it. That is how one is “trained up” by the Holy Spirit. Grace saves us – faith moves us to love all.

Let us pray,

Lord Jesus, the giver of undeserved grace, thank you for giving me what I need, not what I deserve. Help me to treat others differently because of the way you have treated me. Amen.

Pastor Dave