On Nov. 13, Doug Wekenman led the Fall 2022 sermon at Red Rocks Church, a megachurch in Denver, Colorado.

In his sermon, Wekenman offered churchgoers a few practical examples of what it looks like to train in godliness.

He reminded them that as Jesus' followers, they should be learning and training in godliness, not simply attending.

Thus, followers should grasp and maximize what this life offers and the world to come.

In his sermon, Wekenman focused on the passage found in 1 Timothy 4:6-10.

Passage Context

According to Bible Ref, the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy mostly focuses on his own spiritual decisions.

After he was given information on how to select church leaders and the correct behavior of church members, the chapter told him to work hard, be obedient, and be ready.

This is because the stakes are great for Timothy and those he is supposed to lead.

That said, the chapter puts a strong emphasis on spiritual discipline.

Meanwhile, focusing on verses 6-10, a warning concerning fraudulent instructors has already been given to Timothy.

He must thus work hard to understand, practice, propagate, and defend the truth.

Here, Paul draws a parallel with physical training.

Given its advantages, fitness is a desirable thing. However, physical health is just transitory.

That said, spiritual fitness is far more advantageous as its effects last eternally.

Training in Godliness

Concerning the passage, Wekenman opened up about how everyone has undergone training at some point in life.

Some have had training as officers, physicians, educators, sportspeople, and even preachers.

Others might be trained on how to manage a business or a home.

The fact is, each individual has prepared for something. In the process, they might have encountered both enjoyable and unpleasant aspects.

The Apostle Paul reportedly wrote to his close friend Timothy in the passage. He gave instructions on how to live a godly life so that his life would be an example when he traveled and led others.

Wekenman then regarded godliness as active; it is neither static nor fixed. It is truly an outpouring of active obedience from a profound knowledge of God.

That said, he pointed out the utmost significance of training in godliness.

To do this, one must strive to base their life on the truth.

They must conduct themselves outside the church in a way that inspires curiosity in others about what they possess and who they know.

The goal of the training in godliness is to know God and make him known to bring more people to the Kingdom.

Wekenman, as this week's "personal soul trainer," then led the audience through some practical training techniques.

He stated that one can "train through a healthy diet in tithing our time, minding our minds, making the process our passion and putting it all into practice."

These are necessary training to more closely resemble Jesus, whose whole being is divine.

And in training in godliness, one should trust that he will impact the world for God's glory and good.

As a follower of Christ, according to Wekenman, one must believe that he is not alone. 

More from Crossmap: Landscape group completes restoration and repair project for Christian Science Plaza