FCA EnduranceSample

Train in Godliness

Ready

"Train yourself to be godly. Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe." --1 Timothy 4:7b-10

Set

Successful athletes who train for a running race or triathlon of any distance are committed to training. Training doesn’t come easy. It’s hard work! Training is defined as “developing and improving mentally and physically through instruction and practice over some time to reach or maintain a high level of fitness.”

This same level of training should be applied to our spiritual development and growth in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul exhorts us to “train ourselves to be godly.” He goes on to share the reason we are to train to be godly, “godliness has value for all things.” While training for an athletic event will result in better performance in that sport on any given day, training in godliness will yield even more essential results in the life we live on this earth and the life to come. We labor and strive because our hope is in a living God!

What does training in godliness look like? We practice and train by immersing ourselves in God’s Word and spending time with Him in prayer, fellowship, worship, and discipleship. In 1 Timothy 4:11-16, Paul goes into further instruction on how to train to be godly.

We are to:

• Command and teach God’s Word. v.11
• Set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. v.12
• Be devoted to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching. v.13
• Use our God-given gifts to serve. v.14
• Be diligent in living out our faith, giving 100%, loving God and others. v.15
• Persevere in following Jesus’ example in our daily living. v.16

An athlete in training is prepared to make sacrifices when training in their sport. Discipline, prioritization, and following a plan will set the stage for success. These principles apply if we desire to follow Jesus and bring Him glory in our athletic endeavors. Jesus says in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Are you ready for the challenge of training in godliness and righteousness?

Go

• What do you need to stop doing to spend more time with your Heavenly Father?
• Which one of the practices of godliness mentioned above do you feel God nudging you to pursue?
• Who is someone you can encourage to practice and train in godliness? Take a moment to pray for them now.

Workout

1 Timothy 4:6-16; Luke 9:23; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27; Romans 12:1-2

Overtime

“Father, thank You for loving us and giving us the desire to pursue You with everything we’ve got. Your Holy Spirit equips us, and Your Word instructs us for training in godliness. Forgive us when we go by our training plan and bring us back to Your Truth, which leads and guides us in godliness and righteousness. Thank You that we have victory in Jesus. Amen"