IT IS A TRUSTWORTHY STATEMENT: pistos o logos:

Trustworthy (4103) (pistos from peitho = to persuade) defines something that can be relied upon or that which is worthy of belief or trust and thus is dependable.

Statement (3056) (logos) is a communication whereby the mind finds expression. Logos is a general term for speaking, but always refers to rational content.

The "trustworthy statement" refers to the preceding truth about the superiority of godliness rather than to what follows. This statement would encourage Timothy and should encourage all believers today that we need not fear to preach, practice and apply these truths in the presence of those outside of Christ, who have no hope for the future.

The other "trustworthy statements" in the Pauline epistles...

1Timothy 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.

1Timothy 3:1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.

2Timothy 2:11 It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him

Titus 3:8 This (the truths in the preceding verses that speak especially of salvation) is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. (see note)

DESERVING FULL ACCEPTANCE: kai pases apodoches achios

Deserving (514) (axios) pertains to being correspondingly fitting or appropriate and so worthy or deserving.

Full (3956) (pas) means all without exception.

Acceptance (594) (apodoche from apodéchomai = take fully, welcome) defines that which receives a favorable reception. Paul is saying that this statement is one for which we should "put out the welcome mat".

Every saint should meditate on this "trustworthy statement" that a "daily investment" in godliness (whatever the cost in self-discipline and self-denial) will yield profits not only in the present but for all eternity! Jim Elliot the martyred missionary said it best...

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Spurgeon has a devotional comment on Paul's "trustworthy statements"...

Paul has four of these “faithful sayings.” The first occurs in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The next is in 1 Timothy 4:8, “Godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation.” The third is in 2 Timothy 2:12, “It is a faithful saying—If we suffer with him we shall also reign with him”; and the fourth is in Titus 3:8, “This is a faithful saying, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”

We may trace a connection between these faithful sayings.

The first one lays the foundation of our eternal salvation in the free grace of God, as shown to us in the mission of the great Redeemer.

The next affirms the double blessedness which we obtain through this salvation—the blessings of the upper and nether springs—of time and of eternity.

The third shows one of the duties to which the chosen people are called; we are ordained to suffer for Christ with the promise that “if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.”

The last sets forth the active form of Christian service, bidding us diligently to maintain good works.

Thus we have the root of salvation in free grace; next, the privileges of that salvation in the life which now is, and in that which is to come; and we have also the two great branches of suffering with Christ and serving with Christ, loaded with the fruits of the Spirit. Treasure up these faithful sayings. Let them be the guides of our life, our comfort, and our instruction. The apostle of the Gentiles proved them to be faithful, they are faithful still, not one word shall fall to the ground; they are worthy of all acceptation, let us accept them now, and prove their faithfulness. Let these four faithful sayings be written on the four corners of my house. (Morning and evening : Daily readings October 27 AM).

FOR IT IS FOR THIS WE LABOR AND STRIVE: eis touto gar kopiomen (1PPAI) kai agonizometha, (1PPMI): (1 Corinthians 4:9-13; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; 6:3-10; 11:23-27; 2 Timothy 2:9,10; 3:10-12; Hebrews 11:26; 13:13; 1 Peter 4:14,15) Note that KJV has "suffer reproach" in place of "strive" because a different Greek verb is used in the Textus Receptus, the manuscript from which the KJV is translated. The Nestle-Aland which is the source of the NAS and NIV  has agonizomai and is accepted by most scholars as the more reliable manuscript.

For it is for this - Wuest renders it "for with a view to this". The question a view toward what? Why do we labor and strive? It is so that the promise which godliness holds forth may actually be fulfilled in us (see 1Ti 4:8). This prize and goal provides motivation and inspiration for us to keep on disciplining ourselves for godliness.

Note that Paul now joins Timothy using the first person plural "we labor...we strive". Note also that he chooses two very strong Greek verbs to convey the import and the challenge inherent in spiritual exercising. He is saying that spiritual exercise is not easy, no matter who you are. Spiritual discipline calls for intense toil and agonizing effort. Believers who desire to excel in godliness must really work at it, by the grace of God and the Spirit of God for the glory of God.

Labor (2872) (kopiao from kópos = labor, fatigue) The root word kopos is used in secular Greek of “a beating,” “weariness” (as though one had been beaten) and “exertion,” was the proper word for physical tiredness induced by work, exertion or heat. Kopiao means to to exhibit great effort and exertion, to the point of sweat and exhaustion. To engage in hard work with the implication of difficulty and trouble. Kopiao speaks of intense toil even to the point of utter exhaustion if necessary.  The work described by kopiao left one so weary it was as if the person had taken a beating. Kopiao speaks not so much of the actual exertion as the weariness which follows the straining of all one's powers to the utmost.

Kopiao is in the present tense which indicates this is their habitual practice and like athletes in training we must continually exert what seems to be our last ounce of energy to "win the race".

Strive (75) (agonizomai from agon = conflict or the place of assembly for the athletic contests and then a reference to the contests which were held there) was used in secular Greek in the context of public speaking meaning to contend against, as law-term, to fight a cause to the last and  to fight against a charge of murder.

The picture conveyed here by agonizomai is that of an intense struggle for victory. This word group (agon, agonizomai) is the source of our English word "agonize" which means to experience pain so extreme as to cause writhing or contortions of the body, similar to those made in the athletic contests in Greece. To agonize also means to strain, to toil, to suffer extreme pain of body or mind or to suffer violent anguish. Agonizomai emphasizes tireless labor and struggles against all manner of setbacks and opposition. And like kopiao, the the present tense which indicates this is their continual experience.

The reason they continually labored and strived was because of their future focus on a hope or absolute assurance of future good, the certainty of which rests on and is dependent upon God, the only true foundation of unfailing hope. In other words, their hope is not fixed on the dead, empty idols of paganism, but on the true and living God, Who is Himself life and the Fountain of life and as such is ever able to fulfill His promises.

An understanding of these "strong" verbs helps us appreciate the significance of the last words of the great apostle when he declared triumphantly...

I have fought (agonizomai) the good fight (agon), I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (see notes 2 Timothy 4:7; 4:8)

BECAUSE WE HAVE FIXED OUR HOPE ON THE LIVING GOD: hoti elpikamen (1PRAI) epi theo zonti, (PAPMSD): (1Ti 6:17; Psalms 37:40; 52:8; 84:12; 118:8; Isaiah 12:2; 50:10; Jeremiah 17:7; Daniel 3:28; Nahum 1:7; Matthew 27:43; Romans 15:12,13; 1 Peter 1:21) (1Ti 3:15)

In first Timothy Paul described a wrong way to fix one's hope writing...

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. (1Ti 6:17)

The Psalmist however says...

 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. (Ps 118:8)

Fixed our hope (1679) (elpizo from elpis) means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. The perfect tense marks marks this as the continued experience of the believer. When he was saved by placing his faith in the living hope, God set in motion in him a lifelong attitude of hope. The settled, permanent state of the believer is one of hope, hope (see word study on elpis) being defined in the NT as the absolute assurance that God will do good to us and for us in the future.

MacArthur explains that ...

The perfect tense of the verb indicates something done in the past with continuing results in the present. He constantly labors in the light of eternity. As he was saved in hope (see note Romans 8:24), so he lives and ministers in that hope. His concerns do not relate to the temporal world or earthly fulfillment, but to the realm of eternity and the invisible kingdom. (MacArthur, John: 1Timothy Moody Press)

W E Vine writes that...

The future fruition of present suffering and toil in service faithfully rendered is fully assured in the hearts of those who engage in it; they know their God will fulfill His promises, and accordingly God Himself is the firm foundation of their hope. It is not merely a trust in God but a hope that rests upon Him. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)

The living God (2198) is a phrase used frequently in the Old Testament in contrast with dead idols (cf.. 1Sa 17:26; 2Ki 19:4, 16; Ps 42:2; 84:2).

The specific phrase living God is used 13 times in the NT ("LIVING GOD" = 13x in NT: (Mt 16:16 26:63 Acts 14:15 Ro 9:26 2Cor 3:3 6:16 1Ti 3:15 4:10 Heb 3:12 9:14 10:31 12:22 Rev 7:2)  and 15 times in the OT (Dt5:26 Jos3:10 1Sa17:26 17:36 2Ki 19:4 19:16 Ps 42:2 84:2 Isa 37:4,17 Jer 10:10 23:36 Da 6:20, 26, Hos 1:10) (Click to see these Scriptures)

WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN, ESPECIALLY OF BELIEVERS: os estin (3SPAI) soter panton anthropon, malista piston: (1Ti 2:4,6; Psalms 36:6; 107:2,6-43; Isaiah 45:21,22; John 1:29; 3:15-17; 1 John 2:2; 4:14) (John 5:24; 1 John 5:10-13)

Savior (4990) (soter from sozo = rescue from peril from saos = safe; delivered) is one who rescues and thus saves, delivers or preserves

Of all men - this phrase has led to fruitless discussions that God saves "all men", but even this passage specifies "believers".  If that is not sufficient, there are many passages that clearly teach God while being able to save all men, actually saves only those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work on Calvary.

For example Jesus declared...

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. (John 5:24)

The apostle John adds that...

10 The one who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the witness that God has borne concerning His Son.
11 And the witness is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. (1John 5:10-13)

Guzik comments that...

It isn't that all men are saved in an universalist sense; but that there is only one Savior for all men; it isn't as if Christians have one Savior and others might have another savior. But notice Paul's point: especially of those who believe. Jesus' work is adequate to save all, but only effective in saving those who come to Him by faith. (1 Timothy 4)

John MacArthur adds that Paul's...

point is not that He actually saves the whole world (for that would be universalism, and Scripture clearly teaches not all will be saved). The point is that He is the only Savior to Whom anyone in the world can turn for forgiveness and eternal life—and therefore He urges all to embrace Him as Savior. Jesus Christ is proffered to the world as Savior. (Master's Seminary Journal Volume 7. Spring 1996)

PRESCRIBE: Paraggelle (2SPAM): (1Ti 6:2; 2 Ti 4:2; Titus 2:15; 3:8)

What is Timothy to do? To prescribe and teach the truths about godliness, which stand in marked contrast both to the unscriptural prohibitions and practices of asceticism mentioned in the early part of 1Timothy 4 and the  the “old wives’ tales”.

Prescribe (3853) (paraggello from para = side + aggello =announce, tell, declare) is literally to hand on an announcement from one to the side of another or to pass along a message from one to another. It is easy to under how it evolved to be used especially for the order given by a military commander and passed along the line by his subordinates. It demands obedience from an inferior to the order passed on from the superior. It is a call to obedience by one in authority. It is like giving a mandate, which is an authoritative command. It means to charge by way of proclaiming. It means to to request with a command or charge implied. It designates a command the execution of which is virtually taken for granted.

Paraggello refers to the action of directing a person or group of persons with authority, in the sense of instructing, commanding. In other words a person in authority is commanding or giving instructions. When preceded by the negative (me) it meant to "forbid".

In short paraggello means to make an announcement about something that must be done - give an order, a charge, a command or an instruction.

Paraggello was used in the military indicating an order from an officer to those under his command, with the implication that order called for unhesitating and unqualified obedience. Soldiers were bound to obey the command of their superiors.

Paraggello was used in secular Greek as a legal term, as for example an official court summons, the equivalent of a modern subpoena, which to disregard made a person liable to severe punishment and bound by the court’s orders

Paraggello was used in medicine to describe the doctor’s prescription or instruction to the patient. The patient was bound to follow the doctor’s instruction if he wanted to get well!

It is notable that every use of paraggello included the idea of binding a person to make the proper response to an instruction. Thus the soldier was bound to obey the orders of his superior. A person involved in a legal matter was bound by the court’s orders. A patient was bound to follow his doctor’s instruction.

With this understanding, one can began to better appreciate Paul's concentrated use of paraggello in his first epistle to Timothy who apparently was pastor of the church at Ephesus.

Vincent writes that paraggello is...

A strong word, often of military orders. Aristotle uses it of a physician: to prescribe...Originally to pass on or transmit; hence, as a military term, of passing a watchword or command; and so generally to command.

Both prescribe (command) and teach are in the present imperative. In other words, Paul is saying that the things just taught in 1Ti 4:6-10 are to be regularly prescribed and taught to those under Timothy.

Paraggello is used in the NAS 30 times (Matt 10:5; 15:35; Mark 6:8; 8:6; 16:8; Luke 5:14; 8:29, 56; 9:21; Acts 1:4; 4:18; 5:28, 40; 10:42; 15:5; 16:18, 23; 17:30; 23:22, 30; 1Cor 7:10; 11:17; 1Thess 4:11; 2Thess 3:4, 6, 10, 12; 1Tim 1:3; 4:11; 5:7; 6:13, 17) and in the Septuagint (LXX) 15 times for military orders, for summons to an assembly, for official proclamations  (Josh 6:7; 1 Sam 10:17; 15:4; 23:8; 1 Ki 12:6; 15:22; 2 Chr 36:22; Ezra 1:1; Jer 46:14; 50:29; 51:27; Dan 2:18; 3:4).

The NAS translates paraggello as: Prescribe, 2; charge, 1; command, 4; commanded, 4; commanding, 1; direct, 1; directed, 2; gave, 1; give instructions, 1; give...order, 1; giving...instruction, 1; instruct, 2; instructed, 3; instructing, 3; ordered, 3.

Jesus used paraggello to direct a leper (Luke 5:14), to command an evil spirit (Luke 8:29), to order Jairus and his wife (Luke 8:56), and to charge His disciples (Luke 9:21). The officers of the Sanhedrim used the term when they commanded Peter and John “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:18), as did some of the believing Pharisees in Jerusalem who insisted that it was necessary “to direct (Christians) to observe the Law of Moses” (Acts 15:5). Paul used the term frequently of his own commands as an apostle (1 Thess. 4:11; 2 Thess. 3:4, 6, 10, 12).

The Greek noun paraggelia (3852) and its corresponding verb paraggello appear six times in the book of 1Timothy, translated as either “Charge” or “commandment.”

1Ti 1:3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct (command - paraggelia) certain men not to teach strange doctrines,

1Ti 5:7 Prescribe (present imperative) these things (especially the "regulations" regarding widows and their families)  as well, so that they may be above reproach.

1Ti 6:13 I charge (paraggelia) you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate

1Ti 6:17 Instruct (present imperative) those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

In addition to the verb, Paul also uses the noun form, paraggelia, writing...

1Ti 1:5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

1Ti 1:18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may fight the good fight

AND TEACH THESE THINGS: tauta kai didaske. (2SPAM):

Teach (1321) (didasko) means to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them. To deliver didactic discourse.  To instruct or tell someone what to do. To provide instruction in a formal or informal setting with the highest possible development of the pupil as the goal. In secular Greek didasko had little religious use, and conveyed a strong intellectual and authoritative bearing.

Didasko means to teach a student in such a way that the will of the student becomes conformed to the teaching taught. So the teacher teaches in such a way that as the student is taught, he now changes his mind saying in essence ''I won't do it this way, but I will do it this way bc I've learned this doctrine or this teaching.'' Doctrine determines direction of our behavior, conformed to world or to God?

These things (3778) (houtos, touto) means "this", a reference therefore to that which is comparatively near at hand in the discourse.

In this discourse "these things"  refers to the "things" he has just taught Timothy about godliness. Implicit in Paul's "orders" are the ideas for Timothy to make sure he presents the truth clearly. Make sure it's the pure word you heard from the Commander. Make sure you give it out to those under your charge. In a military battle the lives of soldiers are at stake and depend on the training and insight of their commander. Believers are no less in a war, and even worse our enemy is often not visible! Our Commander has given orders which ultimately will result in victory. We need to carefully read and heed the prescription for victory.