GODLINESS

Thursday, July 28, 2016

2Corinthians [MKJV unless otherwise noted] 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our

conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity; not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
God; we have had our conduct in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

1Timothy 4:8-9; 6:6 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable to all things, having

promise of the present life, and of that which is to come. Faithful is the Word, and worthy of               all acceptance. . . .  godliness with contentment is great gain.

  God’s Word tells His John 1:12 children they should be godly. The Apostle Paul lays claim by the grace of God to living a godly life. (2Cor.1:12) Jesus said in a most direct fashion that we are to be godly: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. [KJV Mt.5:48] [Strong’s Greek, “perfect”, G5046 – τέλειος; teleios; tel'-i-os; From G5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with G3588) completeness: - of full age, man, perfect.]

But what does it mean to be relevantly godly?

·         Being godly is actively contrastive: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live discreetly, righteously and godly, in this present world, looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works. (Tit.2:11-14)

·         Being godly involves mindset of citizenship in the kingdom of heaven: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

·         Being godly requires accepting from God the divine influence of unearned favor: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

·         Being godly involves worshipful attitude of modesty and proper caution toward God: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear, for also, "Our God is a consuming fire." (Heb.12:28-29)

  Reading the above Word it is obvious to one and all, the redeemed and those remaining lost, that He does not mean for us to play God? Indeed, we are not to play God. Only He alone is Sovereign God, Creator and Sustainer of Job, Judas, and all others, us. Paul, in writing to young Timothy, clearly explains that it is possible act a form of godliness and yet not at all to be godly. (2Tim.3:1-17) Have we not all observed such wicked persons living in the service of self that in convenient place and/or troubled times speak in pious tones and religious clichés?

  Knowing these truths, how then now shall we live?

EBB4