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Sermon Notes:

GODLINESS:  QUALITIES TO CULTIVATE SERIES

Enoch who walked faithfully with God 365 years and “Then he was no more, because God took him away.”  (Genesis 5:18-24)

• He appears again in the hall of faith in Hebrews 11 where the author says, “by faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death... he was commended as one who pleased God.”
• In Jude he is quoted as having prophesied against those with ungodly deeds and speech.

When I think of a godly I think of Mark & Huldah Buntain

• NO higher compliment can be paid to a Christian than to call him a godly person. He might be a conscientious parent, a zealous church worker, a dynamic spokesman for Christ, or a talented Christian leader; but none of these things matters if, at the same time, he is not a godly person.
  • The Practice of Godliness by Jerry Bridges (NavPress, 1983)Z

Young Timothy - Paul’s protege - was encouraged to Pursue godliness.

"Train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" ( 1 Tim 4:7-8 ).

“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”   1 Timothy 6:11 NIV

• “make every effort” to add to our faith “godliness....”.  It will “keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

If we hope to truly make a difference in this world it will not be by good works or by moral behaviour but by true godliness resulting in good works and moral behaviour.

God’s calling you into greater godliness .

DEFINITION  

• a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to him. 

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.  (Titus 2:11-14)

This text contrasts the godly with the ungodly.   Something we want to avoid.  It also points toward our hope - the appearing of the glory of of our great Jesus.

This is a solid statement that lies at the pinnacle of godliness:  Devotion.

• Staring intently into the face of Jesus with adoration and joy.  Desiring to see him smile back at us.

Jerry Bridges points to godliness as being the attitude of devotion that results in action that are pleasing to him.

God’s calling you into greater godliness .

So how do we train ourselves???

1.  Start hanging around godly people.

2.  Hold in tension both the Fear of God and the Love of God.

• "The fear of God is the soul of godliness."  John Murray (Principles of Conduct)
• “The reverent, godly Christian sees God first in his transcendent glory, majesty, and holiness before he sees him in his love, mercy, and grace.”  Jerry Bridges

3.  Train.

NOTE:   Godliness comes at a cost.

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”.  2 Timothy 3:12 NIV

God’s calling you into greater godliness .  Though it comes at a cost - it’s worth it.

CONCLUSION

Are you living the life of devotion to God?  Are you driven by what pleases him?

God is longing for godly people who will develop the kind of loving and respectful relationship with him that he had always intended.   

• Such people will enjoy walking with God until they are no more.
• Such people will disciple others into the knowledge of God.

Here’s the good news...

God has given to each one of us "everything we need for life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3)

What is the Spirit saying to you right now?

If you would like help in knowing more about following Jesus, we can offer you some practical assistance.  Just fill out the connect card located at the top menu bar of our website.   ladnerlife.com.