Practical Wisdom From Paul

This morning I was reading from 1 Timothy 4:7-14 NIV:

[7] "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. [8] For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

[9] This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. [10] That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe."

[11] "Command and teach these things. [12] Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. [14] Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you."

As I look at these verses, I see some very practical guidance that Paul was providing to Timothy.

1) Physical exercise and training is good.
2) Spiritual training and exercise is better and affects our life here and in eternity.
3) The spreading of the Gospel is work, takes effort, but is valuable to all people.
4) It is important to be intentional in our lives, to set examples for fellow members of the Body of Christ.
5) It is important to remind ourselves of the calling in our lives, the things that God has said about us, and to press into those things.

One other thing that was interesting is Paul's statement in verse 10, about Jesus being the "...Savior of all people, especially of those who believe."  The original language says exactly that, that God is the Savior of all people, especially the believers.  The Greek words translated "all" and "people" are Pas and Anthropos, and both mean everyone.  See the definitions below:

Pas:

1) individually
    A) each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

Anthropos:

1) a human being, whether male or female
A) generically, to include all human individuals

Some of the commentators say the usage of this language very rarely actually means every person, but is a general expression to mean most people.  In many instances, I can see their point, but in this statement, I see no reason to believe anything other than what is written, that God is the Savior of everyone.  Whether or not we accept His salvation is up to us, but it is apparently available to all people, through faith.  This is would be a very non-Calvinist perspective, but I must believe in the justice and love of God, believing that His grace and mercy is available to every one of us, because we are all His creation. His saving grace is available to every man, woman and child, and those who believe especially experience the reality of this salvation.