Note 9 at 1 Tim. 4:10: Paul had just compared living godly to exercising. He says this is the type of exercise he's doing. "Labour" and "suffer reproach" are both strong terms that denote tired, exhausted and wearisome effort as well as disgrace and shame for the cause of Christ. Just as athletes exert themselves with every ounce of strength, so Paul is giving himself for the Gospel. Athletes exert all their effort for a prize that will perish. We give ourselves to Christ to inherit an incorruptible crown (1 Cor. 9:25).

Note 10 at 1 Tim. 4:10: The reason Paul worked so hard and suffered shame and reproach was because of the living God and the relationship he had with Him. Those who deny themselves because of religious doctrine will never have the endurance and joy of those who sacrifice because of their relationship with Jesus. Paul had a personal encounter with Jesus that motivated him to endure persecution.

Note 11 at 1 Tim. 4:10: Jesus is everyone's Savior; not just the Savior of those who believe. Of course, until a person puts faith in the atoning work of Christ, the saving effect of what Jesus has done for him will not be released (see note 19 at Eph. 2:8, p. 1103). The atonement of Christ was made for all men. Those who reject the saving work of Jesus will spend eternity in torment, separated from God. Their sins were paid for, but they refused the payment. Faith must be active to receive what God has provided for us through Jesus. (Jn. 3:16; 3:36: 5:24; 6:40; 11:25; 12:46; 20:31; Acts 8:37; 10:43; 13:39; 16:31; Rom. 5:2; 9:33; 10:9; 2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Jn.5:1).

This is completely the opposite of the doctrine some preach that says only those who are predestined by God for salvation can be saved (see note 2 at Rom. 8:29, p. 801). That is not true; God the Father has provided salvation for everyone through the work of Christ and ". . .whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10:13).