I help our children’s homeschool group by directing a weekly class for high school students. Half of the class is from our congregation. As an end of the year assignment the students had to write a 10 page research paper on a scientific subject. One of the students turned in a paper titled “Factors That Affect The Quality of Milk.” The research was well done and it was a fascinating read. Considerable effort goes into producing high quality milk. Genetics, environment, and nutrition are all important considerations. In a section about nutrition one line caught my eye: “low quality grass will produce flat, bland milk.” What a cow is fed has a major impact on milk quality. We understand this with our physical bodies as well. As the saying goes “you are what you eat.” The point is that how we take care of ourselves produces as corresponding result.
It made me think about Christianity. There are innumerable influences all around us. How much time and prep goes into shaping our surroundings in such way that quality godliness is produced?
I thought of Paul’s words to Timothy “…train yourself for godliness; 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” (1 Tim 4:7-8).
Here are some factors that affect the quality of our godliness:
I. A well-fed mind.
Paul was worried about how Timothy was feeding his own mind and what he was offering up for the congregation. In the early part of 1 Timothy 4 he warns about those who devote themselves to the “teachings of demons.” They are insincere lairs attempting to sway people away from the truth. Some get caught up in silly arguments that accomplish nothing. This is not the right way to fed the mind. Instead Paul encourages regular public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and teaching (4:13).
II. Regularly practicing our faith.
The idea here is to take action. Training conveys the idea of struggle or difficulty. Practicing our faith is not always easy. Developing routines for prayer, reading, and fellowship are critical to our growth. Sometimes we don’t want to do the thing we know we ought to do, but faith help us maintain our works. Sometime faith wavers, but a routine of consistent works helps us until our faith finds new strength. But this takes conscious planning. Routines don’t typically just fall into place. Living our faith means shaping our conduct, words, and attitude (4:12). All of this matters in the life of a saint.
III. Building strong relationships.
The text we are considering is an example of the importance of relationship. Paul is helping mentor Timothy in the faith. The context of the letter surrounds the idea of how people ought to behave (1 Tim 3:15). Paul explains to Timothy in chapter 5 how relationships with the congregation should work. The wisdom of God’s plan is found in the accountability, encouragement, and examples found within a congregation of believers. Paul tells Timothy to give attention to his behavior so he could be an example. He also recognizes that people are watching and they should see Timothy’s progress (4:15). Timothy is given instructions to take great care with his teaching for his own good, but also for the good of those around him. He was to share his knowledge with the brethren (4:6, 11). Relationships are important.
Ultimately, spiritual quality isn’t about what others do for me. It is about what I choose to fed my mind, how I choose to practice my faith, and the people I choose to include in my life (Environment). These decisions are made daily and the results will be shown in the fruit I bear in my life.
Sermon by Brent Moody
