Daily Devotional for Thursday, May 01, 2025

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Why Is Godliness More Valuable Than Bodily Training?

A Daily Devotional on Christian Living Based on 1 Timothy 4:8

“For bodily training is only of little value, but godliness is valuable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8

In 1 Timothy 4:8, the apostle Paul sets a clear priority for all who seek to live in accordance with the will of God. While bodily discipline or physical exercise has “some value,” Paul contrasts it with a far greater pursuit: godliness. The Greek term translated “godliness” (εὐσέβεια, eusebeia) refers not to mere religious formality, but to reverent devotion, a life shaped by respect and obedience to Jehovah. It is not a momentary display but a comprehensive character—a lifestyle grounded in truth, holiness, and steadfast fear of God.

Paul’s words, written around 63–64 C.E. to the young evangelist Timothy in Ephesus, are part of a broader exhortation to stand firm against false teachers, worldly distractions, and misplaced priorities within the church. In this context, Paul urges Timothy not only to guard the doctrine but also to cultivate personal integrity and spiritual maturity. His instruction reminds all believers that the Christian life is not about appearances or outward discipline alone—it is about training oneself for eternal gain.

This devotional will explore what Paul means by saying bodily training has “little value,” why godliness is profitable for “all things,” and how this verse applies to the believer’s daily walk. It will also address how godliness influences both the “present life” and the “life to come,” demonstrating the comprehensive impact of living in obedience to God.

“Bodily Training Is Only of Little Value” — Temporary Benefit

Paul begins with a comparison that resonates even today: bodily training (Greek: σωματικὴ γυμνασία, sōmatikē gymnasia). This refers to physical exercise, discipline of the body, and habits that promote health, strength, and self-control. In the Greco-Roman world, physical fitness was highly valued. Athletes trained rigorously for public games, much like the Olympic events, and physical excellence was admired culturally and philosophically.

Paul does not dismiss this entirely. He says bodily training has “some value”—literally, “is profitable for a little.” Physical health, discipline, and care for the body are beneficial. After all, our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19–20), and we are stewards of what God has given us. Fitness aids in energy, endurance, and longevity, and it reflects wise stewardship.

However, the usefulness of bodily training is limited. It benefits only the present, physical life—and even then, only within certain boundaries. It cannot save the soul, overcome sin, produce righteousness, or prepare one for eternity. Death ultimately renders all bodily achievements irrelevant. Therefore, to prioritize the body above the soul is to reverse God’s intended order of concern (Matthew 10:28).

The point is not that Christians should ignore health, but that they should never mistake physical discipline for spiritual growth. External strength cannot substitute for inward transformation.

“Godliness Is Valuable for All Things” — Eternal and Present Profit

In contrast to the limited value of bodily discipline, godliness holds value in all areas—“for all things” (πρὸς πάντα, pros panta). This bold claim reflects the comprehensive influence of a life shaped by devotion to God. Godliness affects how we think, speak, live, and relate to others. It governs not only religious activity but daily choices, ethical behavior, and internal attitudes.

Godliness involves knowledge of God, obedience to His commandments, reverence for His name, humility before His majesty, and love for His truth. It is both inward and outward—seen in prayer, moral purity, self-denial, worship, charity, and a longing for holiness. It is the daily pursuit of Christlikeness, empowered by grace and informed by Scripture.

Paul is emphasizing that godliness is not confined to the church building or religious rituals. It is profitable in every realm:

In the home, it governs how spouses love and raise children (Ephesians 5:22–6:4).
In the workplace, it promotes honesty, diligence, and submission (Colossians 3:22–24).
In trials, it sustains hope and perseverance (Romans 5:3–5).
In wealth or poverty, it fosters contentment (1 Timothy 6:6–8).
In relationships, it cultivates forgiveness, patience, and truth (Colossians 3:12–14).

No season of life renders godliness irrelevant. Whether young or old, single or married, weak or strong, the fear of God remains profitable—because it aligns us with His will and prepares us for what truly matters.

“Since It Holds Promise for the Present Life” — Godliness Benefits Now

Paul’s statement that godliness “holds promise for the present life” highlights that obedience to God does not merely prepare one for eternity—it enriches the here and now. Contrary to those who claim that religion is detached from real life, Paul teaches that godliness enhances real life.

This does not mean the faithful will live easy lives, free from hardship. Jesus promised tribulation (John 16:33), and Paul suffered greatly for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23–28). However, godliness brings a peace and purpose that the world cannot give:

A clear conscience (1 Timothy 1:5)
Freedom from enslaving passions (Titus 2:11–12)
Wisdom to walk rightly (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Joy in suffering (James 1:2–4)
Hope that endures (Romans 15:13)

Obedient faith yields blessings in this life—not always materially, but spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and morally. Godliness produces fruit that blesses marriages, families, churches, and communities.

“And Also for the Life to Come” — Godliness Prepares for Eternity

Most importantly, godliness “holds promise… for the life to come.” Here lies the highest benefit of a life lived in reverent obedience to Jehovah: it prepares the soul for judgment and for eternal life (zōē aiōnion, ζωήν αἰώνιον).

Unlike bodily exercise, which ceases at death, godliness transcends the grave. It prepares the believer for the return of Christ (2 Timothy 4:8), the resurrection of the dead (John 5:28–29), and the eternal inheritance reserved for the faithful (1 Peter 1:4–5).

Paul exhorts Timothy later in the same letter:
“Discipline yourself for godliness… fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Timothy 6:11–12).

No earthly discipline—education, wealth, health, or achievement—can substitute for the preparation of the soul. Godliness is the only discipline that bridges time and eternity, earth and heaven.

Application: Training for Godliness

The language of “training” in 1 Timothy 4:7–8 implies effort, repetition, and discipline. Just as athletes train their bodies with purpose, believers must train their souls with intention. This training includes:

Consistent Study of Scripture: God’s Word trains us in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).
Regular Prayer: Communion with God cultivates reverence and dependence (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Obedient Living: Faith without obedience is dead (James 2:17).
Moral Self-Control: Rejecting ungodliness and pursuing holiness (Titus 2:12).
Fellowship and Accountability: Encouraging one another toward godliness (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Endurance through Trials: Suffering rightly handled refines character (Romans 5:3–4).

Training for godliness is not seasonal or optional—it is the daily calling of every disciple. It is not glamorous, but it is glorious. The rewards are not always seen immediately, but they are eternal.

Conclusion: Choose the Training That Matters Most

1 Timothy 4:8 draws a vital contrast that every Christian must heed. The world promotes bodily excellence, physical beauty, and temporary gain. But God calls His people to pursue a higher goal—godliness, which holds promise not just for this fleeting life but for the everlasting one to come.

May every believer remember that while physical discipline has some value, godliness is of infinite worth. It shapes the soul, prepares for eternity, and bears fruit that pleases God now and forever. Let us therefore train ourselves for godliness, enduring the discipline, rejoicing in the promises, and pressing forward to the upward call in Christ Jesus.

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About the author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).