Spiritual Aerobics And Exercise We know the value of physical exercise. But do we know the value of spiritual exercise?

1 Timothy 4:6-8 "If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. {7} But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. {8} For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come."

Introduction Anyone in this society can tell you that the exercise industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Everywhere you go, you see all sorts of exercise equipment. You also find all the necessary accessories to help develop some part of the body or to develop some skill in some sort of sport.

Introduction Shelves are lined with vitamins and herbs. Sometimes entire stores are dedicated to exercise. Some businesses exist for the purpose of helping people obtain healthy bodies. So much effort goes into the physical bodies of so many people.

Introduction Seems like every new product is either low-fat, low-calorie, low-sodium, or low-sugar. Our society treats those with good healthy bodies in high esteem. Our society says that unless you have a good healthy body, you are just repulsive. Physical exercise has become so important that it affects all of us in some way, form, or fashion. It is a shame that they do not consider the spiritual body as equally or even more important than their physical bodies.

Exercise Exercise comes from a Greek word which means to practice naked (in the games) or to train and prepare oneself for the battle, or the games gumnazo, goom-nad'-zo; from G1131; to practice naked (in the games), i.e. train (fig.):--exercise gumnasia, goom-nas-ee'-ah; from G1128; training, i.e. (fig.) asceticism:--exercise. Notice that this word gives us gymnasium. Also conveys the idea that exercise has an asceticism or inner beauty associated with it. But as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

These words are used in: 2 Peter 2:14 (NKJV) "having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children." Hebrews 12:11 (NKJV) "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 5:14 (NKJV) "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Physical Exercise The practice and movement that keeps our body fit and healthy. The discipline associated with such. Food, training, routine, etc.

Exercise The Bible teaches us that our culture has it backwards. Emphasizing the physical instead of the spiritual. The key thought is that even the physical has its rewards for excellence and hard work. Dedication is necessary to be a winner. Desire, Diligence, Determination, Doing………

Exercise We must learn from the dedication and zeal demonstrated by worldly people and apply the same fervor and zeal in our efforts to please God. God does not allow for laziness, or half- heartedness. Verse 8 teaches that there is nothing wrong with physical exercise and says that it even does some good, but not near as much as exercising the spiritual.

Spiritual Exercise Spiritual exercise is vital for our growth and development as Christians. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NKJV) "For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. {14} But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Now we must examine ourselves to see what kind of spiritual exercise program we are involved with and what we are engaged in.

Spiritual Exercise Are we giving ourselves the proper kind of food? The proper amount of rest? The study of our opponent and tendencies of his behavior? The correct physical and mental training and discipline? Do we have a thorough knowledge of the rules?

Spiritual Exercise We must get the proper food that will produce positive results. 1 Peter 2:2 (NKJV) "as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby," We must work together as a team, and eliminate the individual weaknesses. Hebrews 10:23-24 (NKJV) "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. {24} And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,"

Spiritual Exercise The worldly minded person will say that Bible study is only for preachers. He says that it is too hard to understand anyway. The worldly minded person feels that if they are not too bad, then they are okay. The spiritually minded person knows that self discipline is necessary for salvation. They also know that the Bible is to be understood. So they apply themselves to the task at hand and learn what God wants them to know and do.

Spiritual Exercise Ephesians 3:3-4 (NKJV) "how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, {4} by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)," 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NKJV) "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, {4} who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." We must exercise ourselves toward godliness. Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Spiritual Exercise We must learn to apply a divine principle in our spiritual lives. We cannot train or prepare for one thing and be ready to do something else. Imagine a football lineman being put on the ice rink in a competition. He cannot glide across the ice with poise and beauty. A tennis player cannot safely play hockey. And so on.

Spiritual Exercise Galatians 6:7 (NKJV) "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." Example. Two boxer are challenged to a fight. One trains real hard and the other watches football and eats hot dogs and drinks beer. On fight day, which one do you think will win the match? In the same way, two Christians" say they are going to heaven. One trains real hard and the other fills his mind with worldly things such as watches football and eats hot dogs and drinks root beer. On judgment day, which one do you think will win the crown?

Conclusion Physical exercise is good and highly recommended. We all would be better off if we did such. How much more important is our spiritual health. Are we trained and disciplined to live right so that we may receive the crown of life?