1 Timothy 4:8 - For physical training is of some value...

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.

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.

for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:8

Commentary

Physical fitness is important. There is no doubt about that. But this passage reminds us that we can make the mistake of thinking that physical fitness will make us a happier person. If we are insecure, physical training only gives us an insecure person who is in shape. But giving ourselves to the Scripture and prayer promises to change us from the inside out. Here are just a few of the promises: long life, purity, a clean conscience, being changed, renewing our thinking, blessing in business, relationships, and the list goes on. Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value in ALL things.

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC

Galatians 5:16 - So I say, live by the Spirit

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Galatians 5:16

Commentary

How many times have we made New Year resolutions only to find ourselves discouraged by the 2nd week (maybe even the 2nd day!). Every New Year we intend to stop this or lose that - so much so that we resign ourselves each year to making a list with the assumption that we won't keep it. But the apostle Paul gives us an important hint in what it takes to truly change: we don't make a decision to keep away from the desires of our sinful nature, we make a decision to live by the Spirit! We need to focus our gaze on where we want to go instead of looking at what we want to avoid. Let's start this New Year by taking our gaze off of our weaknesses and refocus it on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. When we do, we find that He can change us more than our resolutions!

Today's commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC