1TIM. iv. 7, 8. “Exercise thyself rather unto Godliness. For bodily
exercise profiteth little: but Godliness is profitable unto all
things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that
which is to come.”
I. LOOK first at the true aim of Christian ambition—
Godliness. Godliness is whatever in us and on us is the
image of God. It denotes reverence towards God and
His revealed will.
II. What is implied by this exhortation—” Exercise
thyself”?
1. If we would succeed in this effort after Godliness we
must subordinate everything else to its attainment.
2. To exercise ourselves unto Godliness means that we
sacrifice everything that is inconsistent with it.
3. To exercise ourselves unto Godliness we must culti-
vate everything that tends to foster it.
III. The advantages to be derived from the possession
of Godliness. Godliness is profitable. This is not the
only motive. But it is an important one.
1. It has promises of a large and comprehensive char-
acter concerning the present life.
2. The best of the life to come is for the godly one.
Godliness does not obtain for us the life to come, but with-
out Godliness we cannot have it.
W. M. Taylor, D.D.