(1Ti 4:8). An ascetic mortification of the flesh and denial of personal gratification (comp. Col 2:23) to which some sects of the Jews, especially the Essenes, attached importance.
Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value against fleshly indulgence.
for, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
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