Reaping The Benefits Of Exercise

But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. - 1 Tim. 4:7-9

Introduction

1. There are a variety of scriptures that compare spiritual strength and growth with physical exercise (Heb. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:24-27).
2. The benefits of physical exercise are numerous (improves mood, combats disease, keeps weight in check, strengthens vital organs, sleep better, more energy). Some of these apply to spiritual exercise as well (improves mood, combats sin, strengthens the soul, sleep better, Phi. 4:7).
3. However, to the unfit, these benefits don't just come overnight.
4. To reap the benefits of exercise, both physical and spiritual, it takes focus, it takes a plan or routine, and it takes dedication.

1. Focus - Why Should We Exercise Toward Godliness?

   1. Exercise without focus leads to undesired results, or perhaps to no results at all (1 Cor. 9:26).
   2. To set an example (1 Tim. 4:12-16)
      1. Diligent exercise becomes easier when we have people to encourage us to do good (Heb. 10:24-25).
      2. If people can see Christ living in us, they are more likely to follow Him (Matt. 5:16; 1 Cor. 11:1). A religion with no action is not an appealing one (Jas. 2:17).
   3. It is commanded (Matt. 7:21; 12:30; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 5:3; Heb. 5:9).
   4. It is for our benefit (Deut. 10:12-13).
      1. Godliness has the promise of life that now is and that which is to come (1 Tim. 4:8; Jn. 10:10).
      2. Only the "spiritually fit" will enter heaven (Heb. 4:9-11; Matt. 7:21; 1 Pet. 1:4; cf. Rev. 22:15)
   5. Let us keep our focus on the ultimate goal (Col. 3:2).

2. The Plan - How Do We Exercise Toward Godliness?

   1. Obey (Heb. 5:9)
      1. In order to grow physically stronger, we have to eat healthy and follow the workout plan. The same goes for growing spiritually.
      2. Abstain from evil (1 Thes. 5:22; Rom. 12:9). In order to grow closer to God, we must forsake the things that keep us apart (Isa. 59:2).
      3. Do good (Gal. 6:10; Pr. 3:27; Tit. 3:8).
   2. Study (2 Tim. 2:15)
      1. A treadmill or a weight machine can do us no good if we never use them. The same principle applies to the Word of God.
      2. Our faith cannot possibly grow without the knowledge needed to make it do so (Rom. 10:17; 2 Pet. 3:18). If we do not know what good to do, and evil to abstain from, how can we obey God? (Heb. 5:12-14)
      3. Compare the number of people that own a piece of exercise equipment, to the number of those that actually use it. What about the number of people that own a Bible compared to the number that read it?
      4. Often times we don't take the time to properly study. Some may read the Bible every now and again, but never "dig in" to come to a better understanding. Just like one who picks up a dumbbell every now and then will never grow physically, one who deals similarly with the Bible will never grow spiritually.
   3. Teach (Matt. 28:19-20)
      1. A great way to keep up on our studies is to teach. With teaching comes questions, and with more questions comes more study to figure out the answers.
      2. When we teach others, not only will we gain more knowledge, but will grow more confident and convicted in our faith (Acts 28:31).
      3. When we teach those dearest to us, our friends and loved ones whom we spend a great deal of time with, we can strengthen and encourage one another all the more.
   4. Pray (Lk. 18:1; 1 Thes. 5:17)
      1. Knowing that we have a God who hears and answers prayer strengthens our faith (Lk. 11:9; 1 Jn. 5:14).
      2. Instead of worrying about things that can hinder our faith, we ought to cast our cares upon God (1 Pet. 5:7), let Him take care of things, and focus on the positive (Phi. 4:4-8).
      3. Like the friend who spots you when you're lifting weights, God will always be there to help when you need it (Heb. 4:16). Jesus is Lord of all, but He is also our friend (Jn. 15:13).
      4. The more we communicate with God the closer to Him we will grow.

3. Dedication - Who Should Exercise Toward Godliness?

   1. An exercise program takes dedication (1 Cor. 9:27) and endurance (Heb. 12:1). We cannot expect to gain anything by being lazy or inconsistent.
   2. For everyone
      1. Some people need more work than others, but all need it (Acts 17:30; Rom. 3:23).
      2. Even professional athletes never stop training and exercising (1 Cor. 9:25).
      3. We can always be better (Phi. 3:12-14).
   3. Sometimes we get lazy and want others to do the work for us.
      1. The exercise of another person can never make me physically stronger, it can only motivate me to do the same. The same goes for spiritual strength (Phi. 2:12).
      2. Many times we start off good, then taper off (cf. Heb. 2:1). This usually can be attributed either to going too strong at first and then getting burned out, or to being inconsistent and end up forgetting about it all together.
      3. Many people want to take the easy way, or even cheat, but it is with difficulty and hard work that our exercise pays off (Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Cor. 4:16-18; Acts 14:22).

Conclusion

1. If we exercise toward godliness we are obeying God, we bring ourselves closer to Him, we strengthen our faith and the faith of others, and we bring others to salvation.
2. In order to achieve positive results, we need to stick to the plan, stay focused, and dedicate our lives to the heavenly goal (Phi. 3:12-14).
3. If you desire to exercise toward godliness, you can make the start today.
4. God's plan is not like some of those gimmicks on TV, where you pay 50 "easy" payments of $19.99 for a home gym or workout program, or some magic belt that you wear while sitting around the house that sculpts your abs into a 6-pack.
5. God's plan is sure, it's proven, it's simple, and it's free.