Bible Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-16 | “Do Not Neglect the Gift” 1 Timothy 4:6-16

Introduction:  Health scares sharpen my attention to a doctor’s advice.

I.        Personal Training

A.     (v7) “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths” (NKJV—profane and old wives’ fables) [S v3]

1.      Eating right by avoiding desserts and high fat snack foods

2.      Conspiracy theories abound, 19th Century cults, End Times sensationalism.

3. Those who deny faith among U.S. founders, deny miracles, and embrace the gnostic gospels

B.     “Rather train yourself for godliness”

1.      Value of an exercise program.  How do we exercise our faith?

2.      (v8) “While bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way,”

3.      “…as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” [See Ephesians 4:14]

C.     (v10) “For to this end we toil and strive”

1.      Working through muscle and joint aches.  Pain management.   Perseverance.

2.      “because we have our hope set on the living God” emphasis on “living”

3.      Hebrews 12:2-3, “So we fix our eyes on Jesus”

II.       “Command and teach these things.”

A.     (v12) “Let no one despise you for your youth”

1.      Give no one reason to look down on you because of your youth

2.      “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

B.     (v13) “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teach…”

1.      (v10) “…the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

2.      Offseason workouts, mini camps, training camp—Practice is not over-rated.

C.     (v14) “Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.”

1.      Church functions to recognize, commission and oversee the use of gifts.

2.      (v15) “Practice these things; immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.”

3.      (v16) “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.”

Conclusion:   “Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”