-How To Become Profitable To God
The last word listed by James Strong in his Greek Dictionary Of The New Testament is “ophelimos” – a word that means helpful, serviceable, or advantageous. This word, translated as “profitable” in the King James Version,appears three times in the epistles Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus, and each deserves careful consideration.
Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, asked the question: “Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?” (Job 22:2 KJV). The Hebrew word rendered “profitable” here is an Old Testament equivalent of the Greek word we are considering. It is true that a wise person may be “profitable unto himself” – his wise decisions resulting in actions that benefit his life – but can anyone “be profitable unto God”? Knowing that God is so much greater than we are, we appreciate that His wisdom far exceeds our own. He does not need to depend upon us for anything. No task is too difficult for Him. He is perfect in every way. How can sinful creatures be profitable to God? The question raised by Eliphaz is really rhetorical. Obviously we cannot.
While this answer is true, the question must not be dismissed. Suppose we could be “profitable unto God.” What would we have to be and do? In the New Testament we discover a different answer to the question. Sinful creatures, cleansed from their sin and yielded to Christ their Lord, can bring pleasure to God and thus be “profitable” to Him. Let’s see how.
Call For Godliness
Before discovering what we can do to be profitable to God, it is important to learn what He wants us to be. This is always the scriptural order. In 1 Timothy 4:8 Paul writes that “bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things.” The same Greek word is used twice in this verse. First of all, Paul states that there is some “profit” or value in recreation and physical exercise. The body can be more healthy through regular exercise, but the profit is only a “little.” In other words, the benefit is only short-term. Paul then contrasts bodily exercise to godliness. While bodily exercise profits a “little” – or in a few ways – “godliness is profitable unto all things.” It has far greater benefit than physical exercise, for it can be beneficial to the spirit and soul as well as the body. It is good for a time and also for all eternity. Those who are godly are promised blessing in this life and in the life to come, and doubtless have a greater capacity to enjoy the glories of heaven even now. Because godliness is of such value, Paul counsels Timothy to give priority to spiritual exercise rather than physical, and to exercise himself “unto godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7). Godliness literally means “well-devout.” A godly life is a devout life that displays the character of God and pleases Him. Clearly this is what we should strive for. But how can we become godly?
The Holy Scriptures
In Paul’s second epistle to Timothy the pathway to godliness is revealed, and we are introduced to something else that is “profitable.” We are told that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). The Scriptures provide us with the key to godliness.
From his earliest days Timothy had been familiar with the Old Testament. He had received instruction from his mother and grandmother and had come to believe the precious truths of God’s Word, (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15). Because the Scriptures are “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16 NIV), they have the ability to lead a soul to salvation in Christ. Today we possess the completed Word of God – the Old and New Testaments. God has, through His Word, provided us with a resource that is “profitable” for our spiritual progress. The “doctrine” of Scripture teaches us what is right, and its “reproof” reveals to us where we are wrong. Its “correction” shows us how to put things as they should be, and its “instruction in righteousness” enables us to stay on the right track. The Bible contains all needful directions “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). Surely, “the man of God” is characterized by godliness. Thus we discover that the Word of God, when read and obeyed, is a “profitable” resource which can produce a godly character. Being “equipped for every good work” is the goal, and this brings us to the final place where the word “ophelimos” is used in Scripture.
Good Works
Titus was serving the Lord in Crete in a teaching ministry. One theme that he preached repeatedly was the necessity that those who “believed in God” should “maintain good works” (Ti. 3:8) God desires that His people should be “eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds” (Ti. 2:14 AMP). Titus himself was to be an example to the believers in this respect (Ti. 2:7). Good works ought to be prominent in the lives of Christians because “these things are good and profitable unto men” (Ti. 3:8). Mankind is benefited by the good works of God’s people – they are “profitable” to others.
We are not saved by our good works, but when we are saved we discover that God wants our lives to be filled with good works (Eph. 2:8-10). Doing good deeds can provide us with an opportunity for speaking to others about the Savior. We must also seek to do good at all times to God’s people (Gal. 6:l0). The elderly are often lonely, while the handicapped need help with tasks that they cannot easily perform. The God whom we serve can be recognized and glorified by our good deeds (Mt. 5:16). If our good works cause someone to glorify our Father in heaven, then they are especially “profitable.”
Three Things
The Scriptures tell us that “a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Eccl. 4:12). Paul has written about three “profitable” things are intertwined. Those who read and obey God’s Word will soon display godliness in their lives. Their good works will then glorify God and bring blessing to others. In this way we can, by His grace, be “profitable” to God.
By Martin Girard
With permission to publish by: Sam Hadley, Grace & Truth, 210 Chestnut St., Danville, IL., USA.
Website: www.gtpress.org
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