1 Timothy 4:8 For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. AMPC
Physical training is good, but useful for little because it is useful for our temporary state. Not to say we shouldn’t be fit, showing the standards of God‘s higher way of living, but we shouldn’t hold physical training in a higher regard than that of our spirits training.
Spiritual training is not only useful for now in preparing for our eternity and witnessing truth, but it is valuable in that it holds our promise for this life and the life which is to come.
Many times those who say they believe can only say they believe, but they cannot be the witness they are called to be because they follow the dictates of the flesh— not the Spirit.
When we are born again and invite the Spirit on the inside of us we are committing to a new way of life. But if we don’t know that many times we fall right back to where we were before we accepted Jesus as our Lord —and then of course give into the dictates of the flesh.
Denying the Spirit long enough will lessen our hearing Him and eventually we will fall away.
Letting the Spirit lead is vital to complete our salvation. The plan is when we become born again; the Spirit of God comes and lives on the inside of us. As we learn to follow His promptings, He which teach us how to live godly lives, which is living in the Kingdom of God right here and now.
That is spiritual training, the training of our spirit being in control rather than our flesh. Learning to obey the promptings of the Spirit rather than the dictates of the flesh.
Romans 8:1 Therefore, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. AMPC
If we’re not judged wrong than we are following the dictates of the Spirit, which is what we need to do to live in God’s Kingdom here and now. He will teach us how to live here in His Kingdom, to glorify Him, and that teaching will prepare us for His Kingdom when we leave here.
Most don’t get to the place where they even receive the Spirit to be able to have God’s power in their lives, to live after the Spirit. Instead they live like in the day of old, trying to follow the commandments of God in their flesh and fail time and again.
Romans 8: 2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has freed me from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice], AMPC
The first thing we have to do is receive Jesus, His Spirit to come and live on the inside of us and then be led by His promptings that teach us godly living.
Being led by the Spirit is God’s Spirit being in control over our spirit, then our spirit in control over our flesh. Living by the principles of God, rather than letting our flesh dictate to us.
We can’t do anything without God, thus we first have to receive the Spirit of God. Invite Him to come and make His home in us. Then when He leads us to deny our flesh, we deny it.
The Spirit of God is our healer, standby, our counselor, all we need to let go of the false hope we put in our flesh.
For example if we have our hope in food as our comfort, the Spirit will train us to let go of the food and cling instead to Him. That means letting the Spirit train us in our eating.
To make it easy, God empowers us to do what He is training us in. If God is asking you to fast something, it is usually because that something controls you. When you agree with God and are willing to fast that thing, each time you are tempted, if you are willing, He will empower you to resist it.
After some training that thing which controlled you before no longer has control over you. God trains you in your spirit, in revelation knowledge, to be strong in Him, by His Spirit.
The only requirement is, you have to be willing to be trained and that will involve letting your spirit be dominated by the Spirit of God, not your flesh.
What ever controls you has to be dealt with so that you may live that godly life here that we are called to live. Being in union with God and an example of godliness to others is of importance. Living and training in godliness here qualifies you for eternal life when you leave here.
Many don’t have the revelation knowledge of knowing that we have to ask Jesus to live on the inside of us, that there is such a thing as being born again.
John 3:3 Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. AMPC
Then, that the Spirit must be allowed to teach us and reveal Himself to us. Many don’t know they have to be willing to put their flesh under and let the Spirit of God teach them to be victorious.
He will then teach us and train us in what we were called to do, in our gift to give, as well as be a witness for Him.
There is nothing more discouraging than someone who claims they know God but doesn’t live that changed life! Saying they are saved yet not living out the promises of God!
Be encouraged then to let the Spirit of God change you—train you to live the good life He intended for you. Let Him show you how to be that witness for Him, using your gift to encouraging others to know Him now, and to be able to live with Him when they leave here.