^{What is your training plan?}

^{...rather train yourself for godliness.  1 Timothy 4:7b}

<sup>Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-10
In his book Dangerous Calling, Paul Tripp writes, "I’m convinced that the big crisis for the church of Jesus Christ is not that we are easily dissatisfied but that we are all too easily satisfied. We have a regular and perverse ability to make things work that are not and should not be working. We learn to adjust to things that we should alter. We learn to be okay with things we should be confronting. We learn how to avoid things we should be facing. We would rather be comfortable than to hold people accountable."

Why don't we have greater urgency for godliness? I find it interesting that Paul didn't take for granted the godliness of Timothy. He didn't conclude that Timothy, as a pastor and leader in the church, a man he personally discipled, had arrived. No, Paul tells Timothy to keep training for godliness. Paul was toiling and striving for godliness (verse 10). This is the expectation for all Christians.  The writer of Hebrews tells us to "work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:14 NLT). Work and effort are not contrary to the gospel of grace. But effort and work must always flow from grace. We don't work to earn grace. Incomprehensible grace has been given to those who believe. You can't earn what is free!

Over the years, the most consistent and effective times I've had working out and getting into better shape were times when I had other guys pushing me. The same is true in my spiritual life. I can totally drift into seasons of loving my comfort more than pursuing Godliness. How about you? What is your training plan?</sup>

• ^{Are you daily in the Word? Do you have a regular time when you meet with God?}
• ^{Are you gazing on the beauty of God or just going through the motions?}
• ^{Are you finding yourself following every train of thought, emotion, and desire, or are you actively battling self-indulgence and preaching the gospel constantly to yourself?}
• ^{Have you become lazy and find yourself missing Sunday worship or Kgroup more than you really should?}
• ^{Do you intentionally engage your spouse and children in gospel conversations or make the easier decision and avoid it?}
• ^{How is your physical health? Paul tells us in this text that physical exercise is of some value. Do you have addictions and unhealthy habits? HERE is a resource for you.}
• ^{Are you in a Fight Club? If not, email me and I'll help you get connected.}

^{Yesterday's Application:}