I Timothy 4

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness ...” (v7). Believers in Paul’s day, like today, were tempted to follow manipulative leaders who distracted them with exotic conspiracies and extreme self-denial (v1-5). These false teachers distorted the idea of holiness by urging people to refuse even God’s good gifts of certain foods and marriage. Paul said that bodily discipline had its place, but real godliness that comes from a transformed heart “is of value in every way” (v8).

Focusing on our own relationship with Jesus keeps us centered. “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people ... (v10).