7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
Paul warned Timothy in verse 7 not to engage in needless controversies.
7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables,
A fable is a myth. Timothy was to reject these myths outright (1 Tim 1:4). These myths were “profane ” or worthless. They were bankrupt of truth and any connection to God. An expositor of the Word cannot allow himself to go off on tangents about myths.
and exercise [train] yourself toward godliness.
Timothy must “exercise” or train himself in “godliness.” “Exercise” or train here refers to rigorous training, similar to how a professional athlete prepares. The Greek word for godliness expresses reverence and spiritual virtue. The pastor has a strong sense of regard for God (2 Co 7:1). He is God oriented.
PRINCIPLE:
Pastors need to train themselves in godliness.
APPLICATION:
Pastors are to keep their priorities straight. Their first priority is to expound the Bible to his people. It is easy to waste one’s time on trivial issues.
