The Advantages of Practical Religion
Dr. Beattie. 1 Timothy 4:8 For bodily exercise profits little: but godliness is profitable to all things, having promise of the life that now is… 1. "Godliness is profitable," as it tends greatly to alleviate the sorrows of life. 2. Godliness is profitable because it imparts sweetness to the enjoyments and an additional relish to the pleasures of life. It is a libel on piety, to represent it as something gloomy and morose. 3. "Godliness," because it confers upon its possessors pleasures peculiarly its own, "is profitable." 4. Godliness is profitable, as it disarms death of its terrors and the grave of its gloom. 5. "Godliness is profitable," for it prepares its possessor for eternal glory. From this subject we learn the importance — the value of religion. But, in fine, if religion is so profitable, I need scarcely, except for the purpose of excitement, remind you that it is personal religion that alone can be beneficial to any of you. (Dr. Beattie.) Parallel Verses KJV: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. WEB: For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.