I Timothy 3-4

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (4:8).  Paul told Timothy to pursue true “godliness,” rather than listening to false teachers who obsessed about “abstinence from foods” and harsh physical discipline (4:1-4).  True holiness is described in the high standards set for church leaders: “sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money” (3:2-3).

“Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (4:12).  Real holiness flows from a heart devoted to Christ.