Friday, October 19, 2012

October 20, 2012

"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness" II Peter 1:5-6
 
What is Godliness? - Godliness comes from the Greek word "eusebia" and is used in the New Testament to express the idea of inner piety or spirituality. Vine defines this word as, "piety, which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well pleasing to Him."


Thus, there are two parts to godliness. I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT THIs MORNING.


First - there is the "God-ward attitude" of "reverence and respect."


Second - there also is the “God-like actions of doing what is pleasing" to God


IN OTHER WORDS – Godliness is THINKING LIKE GOD and ACTING LIKE GOD.

 
GODLY ATTITUDES

 
A.      Devotion


A godly person seeks God on His terms. The word "devout" is a form of the word for "godliness." A godly person puts God first – always in ALL ways.

 
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

 
To be more devoted to God you must be less devoted to yourself!

 
A godly person devotes his life to God.

A godly person devotes his love to God.

A godly person devotes his time, talent and treasures to God.
 
For the godly person life is all about God, not about him. Are you devoted to Him?

 
B.       Desire


A godly person worships God "in spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:24).

 
Whenever one follows God's will on how to worship Him, then one is being godly. Worship is our attempt to give something of ourselves to God. It is the "fruit of our lips" (Heb. 13:15) and the presenting of our bodies as a "living sacrifice" (Rom. 12:1). Worship is our inner piety expressing itself to God in praise through our physical bodies.

Is God your chief desire? Do you find joy in worshiping Him?

C.       Dedication

 
A godly person shows respect and reverence for God by studying and obeying His Word.  The only way to get out of the world is to get into His Word.

 
Oftentimes we are told that our response to God's word is directly related to our relationship with God. For example, Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments" (Jn. 14:15). To respect God means we must respect His Word! Spiritual growth naturally results, as one becomes a product of the word (1 Tim. 4:13-15).
 
Are you dedicated to His Word or are you dabbling in the world?
 
 
D.      Discipline


A godly person is one who acts properly, reacts properly, and leaves no doubt in anyone's mind that he/she is a child of God. God is seen in this person from the inside out and from the outside in.

No wonder godliness is a part of the spiritual combination that is important for Christians to cultivate. We simply cannot be faithful children of God without godliness.
 
Discipline says, "No" to selfish desires and "Yes" to spiritual desires.
 
Are you disciplined?
 
A godly person displays godly attitudes.