If you lay all these instructions before the brethren, you will be a worthy steward and a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever nourishing your own self on the truths of the faith and of the good [Christian] instruction which you have closely followed. But refuse and avoid irreverent legends (profane and impure and godless fictions, mere grandmothers’ tales) and silly myths, and express your disapproval of them. Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. (1 Timothy 4:6–8)
How do you keep yourself spiritually fit? You do so in the same way you would physically speaking: you nourish yourself. What does that nourishment look like?
1. Eat good food. Some Christians only like to “eat” frothy, frivolous preaching. I’d call that spiritual junk food. It doesn’t provide the nourishment we need. We need to hear good truths of faith—the “broccoli” of the Word—preached regularly.
2. Eat when you feel weak. Have you ever felt weak from lack of food? Just as eating good food strengthens your physical body, reading the Word rejuvenates your spirit. When your spirit is tired, eat more Word. Eating the Word will make your spirit grow stronger.
3. Eat regularly. We eat food three times a day to keep our bodies healthy. Why would it be any different with keeping our spirits healthy? We will not get all the spiritual nourishment we need from an occasional “snack” at home or once a week at church.
The Devil will do anything to keep you from eating. He doesn’t want you reading the Word, going to church, or listening to messages, because he knows each one of those things strengthens your spirit. He wants to starve you so your spirit will be weak, your faith will be low, and you won’t be able to resist him or receive from God.
You are what you eat—both physically and spiritually. So get in the Word. Don’t settle for an occasional snack. Eat regular meals of spiritually beneficial food on a daily basis!
Say: I am developing a strong spirit. I am growing day by day. I am being renewed and strengthened in my inner man so I can do the will of God, resist the Devil, and accomplish the plan of God for my life in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen!
I believe Jesus is at heavens door looking down at us right now, he will be coming to get us soon. I feel the presences of the Lord is getting stronger, we do not have really anytime to be concerned with the world in itself. Time is short and we need to understand our place in the spiritual battle. I mean suit up and see the armor as God see’s it and put the word of God in our hearts because when we are called for the battle we do not want to be weak. The greatest thing we can do as servants to God is; yielding to him not man. There is a separation that has to take place in you, Let the word of God be your voice for this is the only way to defeat the enemy. Let the Holy spirit speak that truth to your heart. Ask the Father in Jesus name that you want the absolute truth. not some muttered version that the devil has. He also mentioned for us to pray for our enemies,That is a instruction, so we do not fall into the curse. which is the opposite of what God is. Let us be strong in Jesus name who is our light and our only hope to eternal life in heaven. I pray for all my brothers and sisters in Christ that this absolute truth be rooted so deep into their hearts.
This is so encouraging to me at a time of brokenness in my life. I read and re-read these. Thank you for being faithful and allowing people to read and put these into life practices.