After warning Timothy that in the last days, people would turn away from the truth and follow the influence of demonic teachings, Paul instructs Timothy to “train yourself to be godly” (I Timothy 4:7). The word “train” is also translated as “discipline.” It describes a place similar to a gymnasium where people trained naked, without clothing. The place was called a Palaestra. It was where sporting events, especially wrestling, took place. Nothing was hidden while the participants practiced their sport.

 The reference Paul made to Timothy was that before the world, the exercise of our faith would be without pretension exercised in public view for all to see. Paul said of this kind of faith there would be benefits “in this life and the life to come” (vs. 8). Paul followed up this line of instruction with these words, “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle for our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers” (I Timothy 4:10).

 The “particular” nature of our faith is reserved for those who have believed the message but is also a benefit for all people who watch the contest of our faith and who have yet to place their trust in Jesus.

Every small act of obedience to the will of God in our personal lives has a tremendous effect on those watching the contest of our faith. It matters when our smallest act of obedience to God is demonstrated before the world. People are watching our lives even though they may demean what they see taking place because they are still following teachings influenced by demons.

The truth we demonstrate will eventually triumph and offer salvation to those who are willing to strip off the evil garments they have been told to wear and enter the fray of faith. That is the “particular” part of the faith we exercise in a fallen world.