1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8 speaks of two sorts of training. On the one hand, there is physical training and Paul does not despise it but notes that it is of some value. On the other hand, there is godliness or piety. This has value for all things. The reason that godliness is superior is that whereas physical training will help you only in this life, godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. This teaching shows that no Christian should unnecessarily neglect his body and must exercise it to some extent as best he can. On the other hand, it cannot be the be all and end all for him. The verse also gives us an insight into godliness and the fact that it makes the same sorts of demands on our souls that physical exercise will make on our bodies. Things like regularity, a schedule, exertion, self-denial, etc, must come into it. Godliness is obviously useful for the life to come because that will be the thing that dominates there when physical health will not be an issue. It is also useful for this life because the pursuit of bodily pleasure inevitably fails to satisfy completely and is not the thing that God is most looking for in us. As a minister, especially, Timothy needs to understand this and teach it to others.
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