Godliness – A Call to Reflect Christ
Introduction
Godliness is a fundamental and transformative virtue in the Christian life, serving as the bedrock of a believer’s relationship with God and their witness to the world. It is far more than merely adhering to a moral code or a set of religious rules. Godliness is the active pursuit of reflecting the character and nature of Christ in every area of life.
1. What Is Godliness?
Godliness
is a profound reverence and devotion to God, deeply embedded in
our thoughts, speech, and actions. It goes beyond mere outward acts of
religion or ritual—it is an inner transformation that touches every part
of our lives, leading us to live in a way that is holy and pleasing to
God.
At its core,
godliness is a life that reflects the character of God. It is a heart
attitude that results in a lifestyle of obedience, humility, and love. True
godliness is not about performing external actions to appear righteous but
about allowing the Holy Spirit to shape and change us from the inside out,
producing a life that honors God in everything we do.
In 1
Timothy 4:8, Paul makes a crucial point:
> “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all
things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Paul
emphasizes that godliness holds eternal value, far surpassing even physical
discipline or temporary pursuits. While physical exercise is beneficial for
the body, godliness provides benefits that last both in this life and in
eternity. It impacts every aspect of life, shaping how we interact with
others, how we handle challenges, and how we view the world around us.
Godliness aligns us with God’s eternal purposes and guarantees a life that not
only honors Him now but will also be rewarded in the age to come.
Therefore,
godliness is not just a virtue to be sought but an investment in the eternal,
which transcends temporary concerns and disciplines. It is a treasure that
yields lasting rewards, both spiritually and practically, and ultimately draws
us closer to the heart of God.
2. Godliness Begins
With the Fear of the Lord
True
godliness has its roots in the fear of the Lord. This fear is not
about terror or dread, but rather a deep sense of awe and respect
for God’s holiness, authority, and majesty. It is a reverential fear that
compels us to honor God and obey His commands. It is through this fear that we
gain wisdom and understanding, which ultimately shapes our character and guides
our actions toward godliness.
·
Proverbs 1:7 –
> “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise
wisdom and instruction.”
This
verse establishes that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true
knowledge. Without this foundational reverence, we cannot understand the
depths of God’s wisdom or the path He calls us to walk. It is the beginning of
the pursuit of godliness because it aligns our hearts with the truth of God’s
Word and establishes a proper relationship with Him.
·
Ecclesiastes 12:13 –
> “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
Here,
Solomon reminds us that the fear of God is not just the beginning of
knowledge, but also the purpose of our lives. To fear God is to live in
obedience to His commandments, reflecting His holiness in everything we do. The
fear of the Lord guides us to live in a way that honors His will, not out of
obligation, but out of love and reverence for who He is.
The
fear of God is foundational for godliness because it transforms how we see
God, how we see ourselves, and how we see the world. It is not a fleeting or
superficial feeling, but a lifestyle rooted in awe and reverence that
directs our choices and actions. This kind of fear leads to obedience, which is
a critical part of godliness.
When
we live with a fearful reverence for God, we are motivated to live lives
of holiness, seeking to reflect His character in every area. This fear shapes
our actions, our priorities, and our relationships, leading us to honor God
through both our obedience and our worship. Godliness, therefore,
starts with a heart that acknowledges God’s supreme authority and responds in
humble submission to His Word.
3. Godliness Is
Evidence of a Transformed Life
Godliness
is not simply an external show of good behavior or adherence to a set of rules.
It is the result of an internal transformation that takes place when a
person is born again through faith in Jesus Christ. True godliness can
only emerge from a heart that has been radically changed by God’s grace.
The
Holy Spirit empowers believers to live godly lives by working within
them, transforming their desires, motivations, and actions. Without this inner
transformation, no amount of outward effort can produce true godliness. It is
through the new birth—being regenerated by the Holy Spirit—that a
believer becomes capable of living a life that honors God.
·
Titus 2:11-12 –
> “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
In
this passage, Paul highlights that God’s grace is not only the means of
our salvation but also the power that teaches us how to live godly
lives. God’s grace redeems us from the penalty of sin and empowers us to
say “no” to ungodliness and worldly desires. It trains us to live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present world. Godliness,
therefore, is a byproduct of grace—it is not something we achieve
through our own efforts but something that naturally flows from the
transformative work of God in our lives.
This
transformative grace teaches us to deny ungodliness—the sinful ways of
the world—and to embrace the virtues that reflect God’s character, such as
self-control, righteousness, and holiness. The Christian life is marked by a
constant process of sanctification, where we grow more into the likeness
of Christ, fueled by the work of the Holy Spirit.
As
believers, we are no longer slaves to sin but are empowered to live in a way
that reflects God’s holiness. Godliness is evidence that we have been made
new in Christ. It is the natural outworking of a heart that has been
changed by God’s grace, and it reflects His character in every aspect of life.
True godliness cannot be manufactured through human effort—it is the fruit of
the Holy Spirit at work in a transformed life.
4. Godliness Is Not Legalism
True
godliness is not about strictly adhering to a list of rules, rituals, or
external behaviors in an effort to appear righteous before others. While
some might outwardly conform to religious practices, true godliness is not
about surface-level actions. It is an internal devotion to God, a heart
transformation that results in Christ-like character.
·
2 Timothy 3:5 –
> “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people
turn away!”
Paul
warns against those who have a form of godliness—outward religious
practices or behaviors that appear righteous—but deny its transformative
power. These individuals may engage in religious rituals, but their lives
are not changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Legalism seeks to
emphasize external conformity to religious standards, but it overlooks the true
power of godliness—which is the internal transformation that the Holy
Spirit brings into a believer’s life.
True
godliness is not about pretending to be holy or following a set of rules in
order to gain favor with God or to impress others. Godliness
is not a performance—it is the result of a heart that is devoted to
God and transformed by His grace.
These
fruits are the natural result of the Holy Spirit working in the life of a
believer. They are not produced by legalistic efforts or striving to adhere to
religious rules but by yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to
shape our lives. True godliness is evidenced by a life that bears the fruit
of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) in love, humility, holiness, kindness,
and self-control—qualities that are only possible through the transformative
work of God.
In contrast to legalism, godliness is not about external appearances or maintaining a facade of righteousness. It is about authentic devotion to God, which overflows into our lives as we reflect the character of Christ. The power of godliness is in its ability to transform us from the inside out, producing a life that is pleasing to God, regardless of outward circumstances or expectations.
5. Godliness Must Be Pursued
While
godliness is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer,
it is also something that must be actively pursued. Godliness doesn’t
occur passively; it requires intentional effort, commitment, and diligence.
While we depend on the Holy Spirit for transformation, Scripture calls us to
take an active role in cultivating godly character.
·
1 Timothy 6:11 –
> “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness,
godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
In
this passage, Paul urges Timothy to actively pursue godliness,
alongside other virtues like righteousness, faith, love, patience, and
gentleness. The word “pursue” signifies a deliberate effort, much
like an athlete training for a race. It implies a focused and intentional
striving toward godliness, not a passive waiting for it to happen. We must
make a conscious choice to pursue godliness every day, choosing to walk in the
Spirit and surrender to God’s will.
·
2 Peter 1:5-7 –
> “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith
virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control
perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and
to brotherly kindness love.”
Peter’s
letter emphasizes the progressive nature of godliness. Diligence
is required in the pursuit of godliness—it’s not just about wishing for it but
about making practical, intentional efforts to grow in it. Peter lays
out a clear roadmap for godliness, starting with faith and adding
virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and brotherly kindness. Godliness
is not an isolated goal but one that builds upon these other qualities. As
believers grow in these virtues, godliness naturally becomes a more prominent
and evident part of their lives.
The
pursuit of godliness is a deliberate process involving the growth of
Christ-like virtues that reflect God’s character. Each virtue complements
the other, and together, they help believers align their lives more fully with
God’s will.
This
pursuit also requires an active rejection of sin and the worldly
temptations that pull us away from godliness. In 1 Timothy 6:11, Paul
urges believers to “flee these things”—sin, worldliness, and
distractions—and to instead pursue virtues that align with God’s
kingdom. The pursuit of godliness involves choosing to reject what is ungodly
and aligning our hearts with God’s righteousness.
To
grow in godliness, we must be intentional about our spiritual growth.
This means actively seeking to deepen our relationship with God, committing to
regular time in His Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. It also
involves examining our lives regularly, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal areas
where we need to grow, and responding to His prompting with obedience.
In
summary, the pursuit of godliness is an ongoing, intentional effort. It is the
result of an active cooperation between the believer and the Holy
Spirit, as we strive to reflect God’s character in our daily lives. This
pursuit requires diligence, commitment, and a heart that is continually
submitted to God’s leading. It is a lifelong journey of growth and
transformation.
6. The Rewards of Godliness
Godliness
brings both temporal and eternal rewards. When believers choose to live
in accordance with God’s will and seek His kingdom first, they are promised
blessings that not only affect their current lives but also secure their
eternal future. Godliness is profitable in every area of life, as it
aligns believers with God’s purposes, resulting in peace, favor, and eternal
life.
·
Psalm 84:11 –
> “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
This
verse reminds us that those who walk uprightly and live godly lives will lack
nothing that they truly need. God withholds no good thing from those who
are living in obedience to His will. Walking in godliness leads to God’s
provision—not just in material things but in spiritual blessings, guidance,
and peace.
·
Matthew 5:8 –
> “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
Jesus
promised that those who are pure in heart, who pursue godliness with
sincerity and integrity, will experience an eternal reward: they will see
God. This is a direct reference to the ultimate blessing for the
godly—being in God’s presence for all eternity. Living a godly life on earth is
an investment in a relationship with God, culminating in the most
precious reward of all: eternal fellowship with Him.
·
1 Timothy 4:8 –
> “Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that
now is and of that which is to come.”
Paul
highlights that godliness is beneficial for every aspect of life. It is
not only profitable for our spiritual growth but also impacts our physical
well-being and relationships. Godliness provides the wisdom and
character necessary for making godly decisions, cultivating peace, and
experiencing joy in the present life. Moreover, godliness has eternal
significance—the promise of eternal rewards for those who remain faithful
to God.
The rewards
of godliness are far-reaching: - Temporal rewards include inner
peace, satisfaction in life, and favor with others. When we live according to
God’s ways, we experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment that
the world cannot offer. Godliness leads to better relationships, wisdom in
decision-making, and a life of peace that transcends circumstances.
·
Eternal rewards go beyond what we can
imagine. They are found in the presence of God, eternal life, and the
joy of being united with Him forever. These rewards are secured by
Christ’s work on the cross, and they are promised to all who remain faithful to
His call and live lives that reflect His holiness.
In
this life, godliness leads to a fulfilled life, one marked by peace,
purpose, and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. Eternal
rewards, however, are the ultimate blessings that await those who
are faithful and who pursue godliness with a pure heart. Living a godly life
not only results in blessings today but also guarantees an inheritance that is
imperishable and eternal.
Therefore,
the pursuit of godliness is never in vain. It brings immeasurable rewards—a
life full of God’s favor and an eternity spent in His presence. Both temporal
and eternal rewards are woven into the fabric of godliness, making it a
life worth pursuing with diligence and perseverance.
7. Godliness in a Corrupt World
In
a world that increasingly calls evil good and good evil, Christians
are called to live counter-culturally, embodying the values of God’s
kingdom and reflecting Christ’s character in their daily lives. The pursuit of
godliness requires believers to reject the world’s standards and to live
according to God’s holy and righteous ways, even when these differ from popular
opinion or societal norms.
·
Philippians 2:15 –
> “That you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights
in the world.”
This
passage highlights the contrast between the believer’s life and the
corrupt world. Christians are called to shine as lights in a dark world,
living blameless lives that reflect God’s goodness. Our godliness is a witness
to those around us, showcasing the transformative power of Christ. The
verse also acknowledges the difficulty of living in a crooked and perverse
generation, but it encourages believers to stand firm in their identity as children
of God, living above reproach in the midst of a corrupt society.
·
Romans 12:2 –
> “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind.”
Here,
Paul gives a powerful exhortation: do not conform to the world’s
patterns and values. The world’s definition of success, morality, and happiness
is often in direct opposition to the life that God calls believers to live.
Instead, Christians are urged to be transformed—to undergo a complete
renewal of the mind, aligning our thoughts, values, and behaviors with God’s
will. The transformation of our minds is essential to living out godliness in a
world that is increasingly hostile to biblical principles.
Key Points to Understand:
I. Counter-Cultural Living:
Godliness in a corrupt world requires standing apart from the values and
behaviors that are embraced by the world. Christians are called to live by
God’s standards, which often contradict the cultural norms of the day. This
makes believers counter-cultural—choosing God’s ways over the world’s
ways.
II. Shining as Lights: In
a dark and morally decaying world, godliness serves as a beacon of hope.
Our godly lives have the potential to lead others to Christ, showing them the
reality of God’s kingdom and His transforming power. By living with integrity
and holiness, we draw attention to the beauty of God’s character.
III. Not Conforming but Being
Transformed: The pursuit of godliness is not about fitting in with
the world but about being renewed by God’s Word and Spirit.
Transformation involves rejecting worldly values and adopting God’s truths and
principles. The process of being transformed is continuous and requires a daily
commitment to align our lives with God’s truth.
Practical Implications:
·
Christians must be intentional about
guarding against the influence of a secular culture that promotes ungodliness.
This means rejecting worldly ideologies, such as materialism,
relativism, and moral compromise, that conflict with Scripture.
·
Godliness in this context requires courage—standing
for what is right, even when it may lead to isolation or persecution.
However, we are encouraged that God empowers us to live out this
godliness, and His presence will always be with us.
·
Regular engagement with Scripture and
prayer is vital to ensure that our minds are constantly being renewed
and shaped by God’s truth, enabling us to withstand the pressures of a godless
society.
In conclusion, while living godly
lives in a corrupt world may feel challenging and isolating, we are not alone. God
is with us and has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us to live out
our faith in a way that reflects Christ’s character. As we pursue
godliness, we become witnesses to the world of the transforming power of the
gospel, shining as lights in a dark world.
8. Many Are Deceived Today
In
today’s world, deception is rampant, especially in matters of faith.
Many people are being deceived because they lack knowledge of God.
Instead of seeking God for a personal relationship with Him, many are
simply looking for men and women of God to solve their problems or
perform miracles on their behalf. While seeking help from spiritual leaders can
be important, God sees the true motives of our hearts. He desires that
we seek Him—not just His blessings or miracles—but for the sake of knowing
Him.
·
Matthew 7:21-23 –
> “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of
heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in
that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in
Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to
them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’”
In
this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of genuine relationship
over outward acts of religion. It is not enough to say the right words
or engage in religious practices; true godliness comes from an authentic
relationship with God and a heart that is aligned with His will. Those who
seek God for miracles or personal gain, without desiring a true relationship
with Him, risk spiritual deception.
Key Points to Consider:
I. The Motive Behind Seeking God:
Jesus warns that many people will be disappointed on the day of judgment
because they sought God with the wrong motives—looking for personal gain,
miracles, or blessings, rather than seeking to know God personally.
- It’s crucial to examine your heart and ask yourself, What is my true
motive for seeking God? Is it to get answers to my problems, or is it to
deepen my relationship with Him and understand His will for my life?
- God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and will not be deceived by outward
actions. Genuine relationship with God requires authenticity and a desire
to grow in intimacy with Him.
II. The Dangers of Seeking God
for Miracles or Solutions Alone: Many people today are focused on
God for the wrong reasons—they seek Him primarily for miracles or
to fix problems in their lives. While God is indeed able to heal, provide,
and deliver, He desires that our primary motivation be to know Him
and honor Him with our lives.
- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
- Seeking God’s kingdom first means desiring to be in right relationship
with Him above all else, trusting that He will provide for our needs in His
perfect timing.
III. The Assurance of God’s
Provision: If our motive is to seek God for a deeper relationship
with Him, we can be assured that He will never leave us empty-handed.
When we prioritize knowing God above all else, we experience His presence,
His peace, and His provision in ways that go beyond our material
needs.
- Philippians 4:19 – “And my God shall supply all your need according to
His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
IV. Personal Transformation Over
Miracles: God’s greatest desire for us is not just for us to receive miracles
or solutions but to experience personal transformation. Through a
relationship with Him, we are conformed to His image and begin to
reflect His character in our lives.
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and
acceptable and perfect will of God.”
- When we seek God for the purpose of transformation, we open ourselves to a
deeper, more lasting work of His Spirit in our hearts.
Reflection Questions:
- What
is my motive for seeking God?
Is it for personal gain, miracles, or for a deeper, transformative relationship with Him? - Am
I focusing on knowing God personally, or am I more concerned with the
solutions He can provide for my problems?
- Have
I made the Kingdom of God my first priority, trusting that God will
provide for all my needs according to His will?
In conclusion, we must be careful not
to allow our desires for miracles or quick fixes to lead us away from genuine
relationship with God. When we seek Him with a pure heart, desiring to know
Him more intimately, we align ourselves with His perfect will and
experience the fullness of His blessings—both now and for eternity.
Conclusion: A Daily Call
Godliness
is not a destination, but a daily walk—a continual process of becoming
more like Christ. It is not something that happens in a single moment or
a one-time event; it is a lifelong pursuit. Every day, we are called to
grow in grace, to reflect Christ’s character, and to surrender to
the Holy Spirit. As we yield to Him and deny our own desires, we are
transformed and increasingly shaped into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Paul
reminds us in 1 Timothy 3:16:
> “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was
manifested in the flesh…”
In this
powerful verse, Paul points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate model of
godliness. Jesus perfectly embodied all the attributes of godliness—His
life was a perfect reflection of holiness, humility, love, and obedience to
God. Jesus is not only our example to follow, but also our strength
and goal. As we strive to live godly lives, we look to Him as the perfect
model and draw from His grace and power to live out our
faith.
Godliness
is a call to live daily for Christ and to grow in His likeness. It
involves continuous surrender, reflection, and transformation. Let’s commit to
pursuing this daily call and becoming more like Him each day.
Reflection Questions
- Am I growing in
godliness, or am I simply going through religious motions?
Is there true transformation happening in my life, or am I just going through the motions without genuine change? - What areas of my life
do not yet reflect Christ’s character?
Are there parts of my thoughts, speech, or actions that are inconsistent with the godly life I am called to live? - Do I seek godliness
more than personal comfort, pleasure, or recognition?
Am I willing to put Christ first, even when it means sacrificing my own desires or going against the cultural norms? - What is my true motive
in seeking God—miracles and problem-solving, or a deep, personal
relationship with Him?
Am I seeking God for what He can do for me, or am I seeking Him to know Him more deeply and grow in His likeness?
As we reflect on these questions, let us make a commitment
to pursue godliness daily. May we remember that God is faithful
to guide us, and through His Holy Spirit, He will continue to transform
us to reflect Christ more fully.
What Affects Godliness and
How to Maintain It
Godliness,
as a reflection of Christ’s character in a believer’s life, can be influenced
by various factors—both internal and external. These factors can either hinder
or foster growth in godliness. Here, we will explore what affects godliness and
how to maintain it, supported by key scriptures.
1. Sin and Disobedience Hinders
Godliness
Sin is one of the
greatest obstacles to godliness. When we allow sin to remain unaddressed in our
lives, it disrupts our relationship with God and impedes the work of the Holy
Spirit in us.
Scriptures:
- Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God;
and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” - Romans
6:12 – “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should
obey it in its lusts.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Repentance is key to restoring our
fellowship with God and maintaining godliness. Repentance involves turning away
from sin and submitting to God’s will.
Scriptures:
- 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - Acts 3:19
– “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so
that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” - Prov
28:13 - “People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they
confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.”
2. Worldly Influences and
Conformity
Worldliness
is another factor that affects godliness. If believers conform to the patterns
of this world, they can easily drift away from the pursuit of godliness. The
world often promotes values that contradict God’s commands, such as
selfishness, greed, and immorality.
Scriptures:
- Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind.” - 1 John 2:15-16 – “Do not love the world
or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father
is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” - James
4:4 - “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world
means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the
world becomes an enemy of God.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Renewal of the Mind: To maintain
godliness, believers must intentionally renew their minds with God’s Word and
resist the temptations of the world.
Scriptures:
- Colossians 3:2 – “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the
earth.” - Psalm 119:11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I
might not sin against You.” - Psalm 1:2 - “Meditate on the word of God
day and night” - Joshua 1:8 - “Meditate on the word of God day and night
so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you
succeed.”
3. Lack of Prayer and Bible Study
Neglecting
prayer and the study of God’s Word is another factor that weakens godliness.
These practices are vital for spiritual growth and intimacy with God. Without
regular communication with God through prayer and absorbing His Word, believers
may struggle to reflect His character.
Scriptures:
- Luke 18:1 – “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to
pray and not lose heart.” - Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Consistent Prayer: Maintaining godliness
requires a constant connection with God through prayer. Prayer helps align our
hearts with His will and strengthens us in our faith.
·
Scripture Study: Regularly reading and
meditating on the Word of God transforms our hearts and minds, helping us to
live in accordance with His will.
Scriptures:
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my
path.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
4. Lack of Fellowship with
Believers
Isolation
or avoiding fellowship with other believers can also affect godliness. The
Bible instructs believers to be in community, as fellowship with other
Christians encourages spiritual growth and accountability.
Scriptures:
- Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,
as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as
you see the Day approaching.” - Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron,
so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Regular Fellowship: Attend church, small
groups, or Bible study sessions to remain grounded in the faith and supported
by fellow believers.
·
Accountability: Engage in meaningful
relationships where believers hold each other accountable in their walk with
Christ.
Scripture:
- Romans 12:10 – “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly
love, in honor giving preference to one another.”
5. Trials and Suffering
Trials
and suffering can either strengthen or weaken godliness depending on how
believers respond to them. Trials provide an opportunity for believers to grow
in patience, perseverance, and trust in God.
Scriptures:
- James 1:2-4 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into
various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But
let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete,
lacking nothing.” - Romans 5:3-5 – “And not only that, but we also glory
in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,
character; and character, hope.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Embrace Trials: Instead of succumbing to
frustration, believers should view trials as opportunities to grow in
godliness.
·
Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Knowing that
God is in control can help believers maintain godliness during difficult times.
Scripture:
- 1 Peter 1:6-7 – “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little
while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the
genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes,
though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the
revelation of Jesus Christ.”
6. The Work of the Holy Spirit
The
Holy Spirit plays a vital role in cultivating godliness in believers. He
convicts, empowers, and guides Christians in their pursuit of holiness and
godliness.
Scriptures:
- Galatians 5:16 – “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not
fulfill the lust of the flesh.” - Romans 8:13 – “For if you live
according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the
deeds of the body, you will live.”
How to Maintain Godliness:
·
Yield to the Holy Spirit: Submit to the
Holy Spirit’s leading, allowing Him to transform you into the image of Christ.
Scriptures:
- Ephesians 5:18 – “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is
dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:22-23 – “But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Conclusion
Maintaining
godliness is an ongoing process that requires intentional action and dependence
on the Holy Spirit. Sin, worldliness, lack of prayer, isolation, trials, and a
failure to yield to the Holy Spirit can all hinder godliness. However, through
repentance, renewing our minds, consistent prayer, fellowship, embracing
trials, and surrendering to the Holy Spirit, we can continually grow in
godliness and reflect the character of Christ.
Scripture to
Remember:
- 1 Thessalonians 4:7 – “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in
holiness.”
- Hebrews 12:14 – “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without
which no one will see the Lord.”
Email: pathofdivinetruth@gmail.com
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