The Cost of Control - Week 2

The holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas is statistically the most challenging time of year for anyone struggling with self-control, addictions, or destructive impulses. This message draws from 1 Timothy 4:7-10 to emphasize a crucial distinction: godliness requires training, not just trying. The Greek word 'gymnazo' - from which we get 'gymnasium' - reminds us that spiritual discipline works like physical training. We must repeatedly say no to darker impulses until self-control becomes muscle memory. Paul's instruction to Timothy wasn't about casual effort but rigorous, intentional practice. The message powerfully illustrates this through the book 'Younger Next Year,' which promises physical strength at 80 comparable to 50, yet its co-author died at 59 from cancer. This irony underscores Hebrews 9:27 - we all have an unchangeable appointment with God. While physical training has value, training for godliness promises benefits both now and eternally. We cannot outrun our appointment with the Almighty, making spiritual discipline the ultimate priority. The call is clear: stop merely trying to be good and start training yourself in godliness through consistent, disciplined practice of saying no to sin and yes to righteousness.