In the last post, we began to look at the emergence of a false religious culture, that openly admits to the existence of a God, but denies the power and glory and honour thereof. Rather than accepting that the Rock was Christ from the very beginning -- the Head of the Church that the builders rejected when He walked among them -- these instead have created a form of godliness, replacing the Word of God with the traditions and constructs of men. (John 1:10-11)
When we examine "godliness" from this perspective, we can understand how 21st century definitions assert that godliness is "the quality of being devoutly religious; piety." But for those who truly believe in Jesus by faith, we do not receive our counsel from the wisdom of men. Rather, we reach for the Lord's instruction and guidance in our lives. In this context then, how does the scriptures (which cannot be broken) define godliness?
Certainly, a good start can be found in the opening of I John. That is, "that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life (for the life was manifested, and we have seen [it] and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested unto us; that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ, and these things write we unto you that your joy may be full." (I John 1:1-7)
[As an aside, we know that the epistle of I John is written in such a way as to explain the Godhead/godliness in detail -- in much the same manner as a child building a tower with building blocks, one block on top of another. Therefore, I John needs to be read in its entirety for understanding, and to know that the Holy Ghost is the resurrected Jesus -- re: Acts 1:2-3. But I digress!) Returning to godliness:
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
The SAME God who is Lord and became flesh and dwelt among us. "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)
After the kindness and love of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7)
"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue ..." (II Peter 1:3)
This is why the scripture declares -- "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness ... he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw." (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
This is why we are instructed to "refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (I Timothy 4:7-8)
Instead, we are to focus our sights on our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Acknowledge the truth which is after godliness. (Titus 1:1) "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless, we, according to His promise look for new heavens and new earth, wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot and blameless." ( II Peter 3:11)
Why? Because godliness with contentment is great gain. (I Timothy 6:6) From those professing godliness comes good works. (I Timothy 2:10) "And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (II Peter 1:6-7)
This is why those who profess to be the Lord's, flee the worldly constructs -- the earthly -- to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness -- because their is hope and peace and joy in knowing that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (I Timothy 6:11)
Stand in the offering plate.
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