When Paul says, “…bodily exercise profiteth little,” he is not saying it is of no value. The context is in comparison to godliness. In this respect its worth decreases. For we are told “…godliness…is great gain.” Its spiritual muscle we are to be concerned with first and foremost, not physical.
Spiritual Atlas’s are a result of “…exercis[ing] thyself rather unto godliness.” I’ve seen those who proudly flex their manly muscles, but who are constantly penned to the mat by their sins. Samson would be a good example of this.
Not one of us would be impressed with the “little” (the meaning of his name) Apostle Paul’s appearance. For it is said of him that “…his bodily presence [was] weak.” I doubt the 195 stripes on his back, and the scars left from being beaten with rods, and stoned with rocks, left anything to be desired in that blessed body. But Oh, the power that dwelt in that broken, earthen vessel!
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. (2Cor.4:7)
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