One of the hallmarks of the pastoral letters is the phrase “this is a trustworthy saying.” In this week’s passage, we see the third usage of this phrase.  The first two occurred in 1:15 and 3:1.

You can see it in 1 Timothy 4:9-10:

While Paul states that this is a trustworthy saying, it’s rather unclear just what he is referring to as that trustworthy saying. In fact, there are really four options.

1. The trustworthy saying immediately follows in verse 10, “(For this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men.
2. The second half of verse 10, “We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.”
3. All of the preceding verse 8, balancing physical training and godliness together.
4. The second half of verse 8, “Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”

It seems most logical that the last option is the most likely, for several reasons. First, verse 10 is simply an explanation of the last half of verse 8, and doesn’t stand alone on its own. In fact, it depends upon verse 8 grammatically. Second, the whole point of verse 8 is found in the latter half, even though it begins with the balance of the two types of training. The fourth option simply best fits the language and syntax.

Even though the NIV places the next phrase in parenthesis, it’s not really necessary. Paul’s point here is that he labors and strives, not for the physical training or the godliness listed previously, but rather for this whole concept of godly living.

The very next word, which the NIV translates as “that” should be translated as “because.” This gives us the reason Paul works so hard. It’s because of this God in whom he has placed his hope.

This hope is placed in the living God. Only this God has what it takes to give us life and and for eternity. Our hope is in him, because he is the Savior of those who believe.

That’s why Timothy is encouraged to discipline himself in this godliness. It results in life, not only in our lives, but it can spill over and affect those around us as well. That’s a heavy thought, knowing that our actions have consequences on more than just ourselves, especially in this victim-oriented culture we live in. But the truth is this: we have a responsibility to live such lives because there is more at stake than just our own selves.

It may take some hard work, and the help of God himself, to live such a life, but the efforts are completely worth it.

How are you laboring and striving? Where do you need to pick up the pace in your life? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.