Physical Training is Good The research is conclusive; physical exercise is necessary for long-term good health: Improved synapses (better brain function) Detoxes the body Improves energy Balances hormones

Excessive Sitting: Linked to a Host of Health Problems *2014 – Variety of studies reported by Worse mental health A higher risk of death from heart disease and other causes A higher risk of being disabled *http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/news/20140407/sitting-disease-faq#1

This is true physically BUT ESPECIALLY Spiritually Use it or lose it This is true physically BUT ESPECIALLY Spiritually

Context of 1 Timothy 4 There would be those who depart (fall away) from the faith. Vss. 1-5 They would listen to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Through lies/hypocrisy: forbidding marriage and advocate abstaining from foods. V. 3 This was contrary to God’s will (the spirit and doctrine of truth). Vs. 4-5

The Mature Know The Difference Between Truth and Error For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14

Timothy’s Role: Point out The Difference Between Truth & Error Everything created by God is good. Vs. 4-5 Nothing is to be rejected if received with thanksgiving. It is sanctified by God’s word and prayer. Therefore: be “nourished” in the faith. Vv. 6-7 Have nothing to do with worldly fables; old wives’ tales. Instead: discipline self toward godliness.

False Doctrines: Appearance of Wisdom If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self- abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. Colossians 2:20-23

Knowing How to Exercise Godliness Know the difference between self-abasement/bodily discipline (which is no better than self-indulgence, cp. Col. 2:23) vs. self-control/godliness (cp. 1 Cor. 7:5). V. 8 Bodily discipline is profitable for the here and now BUT godliness is profitable for here and the life to come.

Spiritual Disciplines Putting off the old man: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. And, lying. Putting on the new man: a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other… Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8, NASB