Letters From Grandpa #565

• LETTERS FROM GRANDPA
• 565

Dearest grandchild,

Today’s letter will be about “exercise”. “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8 kjv)

The Greek word translated as “exercise” in this verse is “gumnazo”. We get our English word “gymnasium” from this word. “Gumnazo” is found 4 times in the N.T. Scriptures.

• I Timothy 4:7 where we are told to “exercise” ourselves unto godliness.
• Hebrews 5:14 where we are told to “exercise” our “senses” so we can discern good and evil.
• Hebrews 12:11 “exercise” is associated with discipline that produces righteousness and peace.
• 2 Peter 2:14 some evil people “exercised” their hearts to covetousness and greed.

Dr. Kenneth Cooper is an expert on “exercise”. I had the privilege of interviewing him on KOBC many years ago when he came to Joplin and lectured at MSSU. Dr. Cooper insists that you must have 3 things to be physically healthy – a good heart, good lungs, and a good circularatory system. You can only achieve all 3 of this goals with prolonged exercise. In 1966 he coined the word “aerobics” to describe his exercise program. In 1968 he published a book on Aerobics. Since then he has written 18 more books on aerobics that have sold 30 million copies in 41 different languages.

The genius of aerobic exercise is that when you exercise long enough it strengthens your heart, purges your arteries, and strengthens your lungs.

Dr. Cooper is still alive and at the age of 94 just published his 20th book. He has also published over 700 papers on exercise and logged more than 38,000 miles running and walking. He founded the Cooper Aerobics Center in Dallas which is used by famous politicians like the Bush family, and famous athletes like Roger Staubach. Explaining aerobic health Dr. Cooper told me that his wife was in better physical condition than Mr. Texas. Researchers studied 121 deaths among men who died young at an average age of 45. Sudden cardiac death accounted for 38% of these deaths. Statistics indicate that the risk of sudden cardiac death is higher among professional bodybuilders, with a more than fivefold increase compared to amateurs. While body builders focus on developing bulging biceps and triceps, aerobic exercise focuses on a good heart, good lungs, and a good circularatory system.

Paul told Timothy to “exercise” himself unto godliness. Physical exercise provides temporal benefits, but spiritual exercise is of eternal value. Let us consider 3 forms of spiritual exercise that helped Timothy to be godly. These same 3 forms of exercise can also help us!

1. Timothy was to diligently study the Word of God. Paul told him: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:25) From the time Timothy was an infant, his mother and grandmother taught him the holy Scriptures that made him wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). Jesus insisted that man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). Bible study provides spiritual nourishment! Every time Jesus was tempted in the wilderness he overcame that temptation by quoting the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). If you do not know the Bible you are defenseless. Bible study helps us to defeat the

devil! Timothy was not only to study for himself, but was also teach reliable people who are able to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Bible study is an essential spiritual exercise. Please study the Bible!

2. Timothy was also to pray! In 1 Timothy Paul told him to make requests, prayers, intercessions for everyone (2:1). Men were also to pray everywhere with uplifted hands (2:8). Timothy’s food was sanctified by the word of God and prayer (4:5). Widows were to continue night and day in prayer (5:5). In 2 Timothy we find that Paul prayed constantly for Timothy night and day (1:3). Paul also prayed for the forgiveness of those brothers who deserted him when he went on trial (4:16). Because of these prayers Paul wrote: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (2 Timothy 4:17-18) Prayer is an essential spiritual exercise that is profitable for all believers! Please pray!

3. Among all of Paul’s helpers no one was more faithful to the church than Timothy (Philippians 2:20). Paul left him at Ephesus to insure that the leaders of the church made love their goal (1 Timothy 1:3-7). Paul gave Timothy the qualifications for elders and deacons in the church (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Paul continued: “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:14-15) On the 3rd day of creation God created vegetation, on the 5th day He created birds and fish, and on the 6th day He created animals and man. Before God created living things He had to first create an environment so they could survive. Man cannot survive on Mars! Those who become Christians are a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17), and the church is the environment God created so that Christians can survive and grow. The Scriptures command that we not forsake assembling together but are to exhort one another (Hebrews 10:25). Church attendance is also an essential spiritual exercise and we have reason to believe that Timothy was in church every Sunday! We also should attend church every week!

• The greatest journey begins with a single step! Step
• 1 is to make Jesus Christ your Lord! Then because Jesus is your Lord you will exercise yourself unto godliness by regular Bible study, prayer, and church attendance! Such spiritual exercise is profitable both here and hereafter!

I love you,

Grandpa Boyce