The document summarizes 1 Timothy 4:7-8, contrasting bodily exercise with godliness. It states that while bodily exercise provides some benefits, godliness is more profitable as it has promises for both this life and the next. The document encourages maintaining a balance between physical and spiritual fitness so that godliness comes before bodily exercise in priorities and conflicts.

2. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Physically Fit, Spiritually Alive
Thanks To
Mark Copeland

3. Text
7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and
exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
8 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.

4. This is How Little Girls Do IT

5. This
is How
Big Men
Do It

6. This
is
How
Chris
Does
It

7. Bodily Exercise
 DOES PROFIT A LITTLE...
 Makes for a well-rounded development - Lk 2:52
 Enhances the use of our "instruments of righteousness"
(bodies) - Ro 6:12-13
 Extends the time we can glorify God - 1Co 6:19-20
 -- There is some value for a healthy routine of physical exercise
 DOES HAVE LIMITATIONS...
 Beauty is deceitful - Pr 31:30
 Attraction can be incongruous - Pr 11:22
 Strength will eventually fail - 2Co 4:16
 Physical exercise alone cannot meet all our needs, and will
eventually fail us
 Paul speaks of another exercise , which those concerned
with true fitness do well to consider...

8. Godly Exercise
 DOES HAVE PROMISE FOR THE LIFE THAT NOW IS...
Daily renewal for the inner man - 2Co 4:16
True peace, joy, and hope - Ro 14:17; 15:13
Winsome personality - Ga 5:22-23
Extended family - Mk 10:28-30
These are wonderful benefits that godly exercise offers in
this life!
 DOES HAVE PROMISE FOR THE LIFE TO COME...
Eternal life in the age to come - Mk 10:28-30
Everlasting fellowship with God - Re 21:1-7
Here is where godly exercise truly excels over bodily
exercise!

9. Maintaining a Healthy Balance
WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT...?
 In expenditure of time?
Some health officials recommend exercising 30 minutes a
day
Do we spend an equivalent amount of time in prayer,
Bible study, or service to God?
 In expenditure of energy?
Physical fitness often requires a great expenditure of
effort
Are we willing to make similar efforts in our service to
God?
 Do we spend as much time and energy exercising
ourselves unto godliness as we do engaging in various
forms of bodily exercise? - 2Co 4:16-5:1

10. Maintaining a Healthy Balance
WHICH COMES FIRST...?
 When conflicts arise?
 Sport events or exercise routines often conflict with
duties to God
 Do we have the same convictions as our parents
had?
 When time is limited?
 We only have so much time
 If we must cut back on some activity, will be it a
spiritual or physical one?
 Do we have our priorities straight, is our
emphasis properly placed? - Mt 6:33

11. Conclusion
 Whether young or old, physical fitness has a
place in our lives as Christians...
 Taking care of our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit
 Making good use of our bodily members as
instruments of righteousness
 Improving the quality and length of service we can
offer the Lord in this life
 But physical fitness without godly exercise is
vanity...
 The outer man will eventually fail us
 The inner man is the true measure of character and
spirituality