6 In pointing out these things to the brethren , you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus , constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following . 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women . On the other hand , discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness ; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit , but godliness is profitable for all things , since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come . 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance . 10 For it is for this we labor and strive , because we have fixed our hope on the living God , who is the Savior of all men , especially of believers .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:6-10
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:6-10
(Read 1 Timothy 4:6-10)
Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.