The First Epistle To Timothy - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
2. Everlasting fellowship with God - Re 21:1-7
-- Here is where godly exercise truly excels over bodily exercise!
[Both bodily exercise and godly exercise therefore have their value. Understanding their respective
values should help in...]
III.MAINTAINING A HEALTHY BALANCE
A. WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT...?
1. In expenditure of time?
a. Some health officials recommend exercising 30 minutes a day
b. Do we spend an equivalent amount of time in prayer, Bible study, or service to God?
2. In expenditure of energy?
a. Physical fitness often requires a great expenditure of effort
b. Are we willing to make similar efforts in our service to God?
-- Do we spend as much time and energy exercising ourselves unto godliness as we
do engaging in various forms of bodily exercise? - cf. 2 Co 4:16-5:1
B. WHICH COMES FIRST...?
1. When conflicts arise?
a. Sport events or exercise routines often conflict with duties to God
b. Do we have the same convictions as Eric Liddell? - cf. Chariots Of Fire
2. When time is limited?
a. We only have so much time
b. If we must cut back on some activity, will be it a spiritual or physical one?
-- Do we have our priorities straight, is our emphasis properly placed? - cf. Mt 6:33
CONCLUSION
1. Whether young or old, physical fitness has a place in our lives as Christians...
a. Taking care of our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit
b. Making good use of our bodily members as instruments of righteousness
c. Improving the quality and length of service we can offer the Lord in this life
2. But physical fitness without godly exercise is vanity...
a. The outer man will eventually fail us
b. The inner man is the true measure of character and spirituality
Maintaining a proper balance will help us to be truly “Physically Fit, Spiritually Alive.” Speaking of
being spiritually alive, have you been born again...? - cf. Jn 3:3-5; Mk 16:16; Ro 6:3-4
Sermons From First Timothy 42