◆“Physical Training and Spiritual Training” (1 Timothy 4:7–8) July 20, 2025

Today’s Bible passage, in the Japanese colloquial version, translates the word “discipline” as “training.” These are similar terms, but there’s a nuance: “discipline” refers to the act of strengthening something through hardship—like hammering metal—while “training” implies practicing until one becomes accustomed to something.

The original Greek word is gumnazō, which means “to exercise,” “to train,” “to discipline,” or “to strengthen.” You may have noticed that the English word “gym” comes from this root.

In any case, the passage tells us that physical training—whether for general fitness or for a specific sport—is of some value. Some value? We might feel it’s of great value! However, what’s being pointed out here is that the human body doesn’t last forever. That’s the context behind the phrase “of some value.” It may also reflect awareness of the Greek culture at the time, which placed great emphasis on physical beauty.

In contrast, training in godliness—spiritual training—is something that leads us toward eternity. Therefore, this has everlasting value.

Paul is saying here that physical training and spiritual training are similar. By exploring how they are alike, we can gain insight into how we ought to approach our faith.

Let’s begin by considering physical training. It can be divided into three main areas:

1. Training the respiratory system (cardiopulmonary endurance)
2. Training muscular strength and endurance
3. Training explosive power (quick reaction)

Training the respiratory system means improving the ability to take in oxygen efficiently and expel carbon dioxide. A good example is how marathon runners breathe—not simply “inhale, exhale,” but using rhythms like “inhale, inhale, exhale” or “inhale, inhale, exhale, exhale” to improve efficiency.

Marathon runners often train at high altitudes in preparation for the Olympics. This helps enhance their lung capacity by running in thin air.

Next, muscular endurance. This doesn’t require bursts of strength, but the ability to continue the same motion or exercise for an extended time. When I was in high school, I joined the mountaineering club. We carried heavy backpacks up and down the school stairs. Sometimes we even went to nearby Tokyo Tower and climbed the stairs all the way to the observatory—though I don’t think we carried our bags that time! Whether I could do that today… I’m not so sure.

I often go to the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Sakuragaoka Park and see many people walking or jogging. They, too, are training their endurance.

Third is explosive power—training to release a large amount of energy at once. For example, weightlifting. You don’t have to hold the heavy barbell for a long time, but you must lift it explosively from the squat position all the way above your head.

To train the body properly, you need to balance all three areas.

Now that we’ve spent some time on physical training, let’s talk about spiritual training.

Spiritual training also seems to involve three aspects:

1. Respiratory training
2. Endurance training
3. Explosive power (decisive action)

Let’s look at each.

First, respiratory training. Some of you may already know where this is going—devotions. Daily, if possible at a fixed time and place, we quiet ourselves before God, open the Bible, and reflect. This isn’t about reading long passages, but focusing on a short paragraph or a chapter and pondering: “What is God trying to say to me through this word?”

Sometimes the answer comes immediately. Other times, it doesn’t. But the act of being in God’s Word and listening to His voice—that’s like “inhaling.”

But breathing isn’t just inhaling. You must also “exhale.”

Exhaling, in spiritual terms, is prayer—pouring out your thoughts to God. After reading Scripture, you respond in prayer. You may bring your fears and anxieties before God, express hopes and desires, or offer gratitude for His salvation, guidance, and daily protection.

Philippians 4:5b–7 says:

“The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Worry is like spiritual waste. Let it out. Pour out your desires and concerns to God, and His peace will come to you.

Breathing is essential to life. Likewise, spiritual breathing—listening to God and speaking to Him—is essential to faith.

Second is endurance. This is the training to hold on to faith even in hardship.

Hebrews 12 tells us that difficulties are inevitable for Christians and that God disciplines us as His children. Verse 11 says:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Some translations even use the word “painful.” This is where we need to persevere.

Marathon runners often talk about a “runner’s high”—a euphoric feeling that comes after pushing through intense exertion. Spiritually, too, there is joy and peace that come after endurance.

How can we train our spiritual endurance?
First, by learning about God’s faithfulness through Scripture. The Old Testament shows us that Abraham, Moses, David, and the people of Israel all went through hard times. Some of it was due to their own faults or sins. Yet God never abandoned them.

That same God is your God.

Also, remember your small victories. When a prayer is answered, or when a problem turns into a blessing—those are moments to treasure. Even smaller victories count: maybe this morning you were sleepy and thought about skipping church, but you came anyway. Or maybe you were kind to someone even though it wasn’t appreciated. Don’t forget those things.

Keep going. Even if people don’t notice, God sees it all.

Finally, explosive power. This is about those key moments when you must make a big decision: changing jobs, getting married, dedicating your life to ministry, and so on. It’s not about deciding on your own, but praying and seeking God’s guidance.

Ask: “Will this bring glory to God? Will it benefit others and the church?” Pray and follow His lead.

Even in smaller things—like being asked to serve at church—don’t automatically say no. Pause, pray, and ask, “Is God calling me through this person?” Then decide.

This kind of spiritual decisiveness is built naturally through the first two disciplines: daily devotion (spiritual breathing), and endurance (faithfulness through hardship).

So let us train our spiritual muscles:
First, breathe—listen and pray.
Second, continue—worship, serve, and trust even in trials.
And on that foundation, spiritual explosive power will arise.

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Sermon script modified based on proofreading and translation with ChatGPT.