1 Timothy 4:9

This is a faithful saying,— St. Paul has used this expression four times; 1 Timothy 1:15. 2 Timothy 2:11. Titus 3:8 and here. They were all matters of certain truth and great importance; and the apostle used the expression to call up men's attention to them, as things of great consequence. Concerning the most important of them, he has added as here, that they are worthy of universal acceptation. The interesting truth particularly to which he here calls upon all men to attend, is, That Godliness is profitable, &c. The three grand principles of religion are, 1 a God, a Providence,—2 a Christ, a Mediator,—and, 3 a Future State. Without these, religion could not subsist; and the apostle, in the next verse, plainly intimates, that these principles were his support under afflictions, animating him to zeal and diligence in active service.