1 Timothy
Two verses from 1 Timothy have a similar meeting - 1:6: “. . .godliness is great gain" and 4:8: ". . . godliness is profitable onto all things". Godliness produces something worth having in life. It is well worth working for. How do we get it? It is easy to work for the things we can see (healthy body, more money) but it is elusive to work for things we cannot see (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness) (1 Timothy 6:11)
We can attain godliness. Minimally we can read the Bible and pray. God wants us to do both. Although Timothy may have been somewhat reserved about expressing his faith (v8), I’m reasonably certain he did both. Timothy was also known for his unfeigned faith (1 Timothy 1:5) that came into the family through women (Lois and Eunice). Timothy had a gift from God via the hands of Paul (v6). Timothy may not have been aware, but he was equipped. You may not be aware, but you are equipped,
We are not handy tools God found alongside the road that he could use. God called us out, not to take advantage of our self-developed natural talents, but for a purpose that he had in mind before the world was created (v9). This purpose is now made possible by the work of Jesus Christ (v10). Paul is an example of these sorts of God-gifts, for God was using him as a preacher, Apostle and a teacher of the gentiles (v11).
Timothy was to "hold fast the form of sound words”; to know and to be able to repeat the gospel and teachings (v13). And he was to keep his gift empowered through keeping in touch with the Holy Ghost (v14).
