"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).
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.