That’s the theme of our upcoming Gospel Meeting with Carl McCann, and it will be here before we know it (October 22-25). I hope you’re praying about, inviting others to and planning to actively and faithfully participate in, this special effort. Carl is a wonderful Christian brother who will do his part and more in encouraging us to be people of greater love and godliness.
“Godliness” can be defined as loving devotion to God characterized by a life of conformity to His will in one’s thinking, speaking and living. It’s an affectionate longing, a dependence, knowledge, submission and desire to obey God. The expression is especially found in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus in the New Testament, books I suspect we’ll be hearing a lot from during the Gospel Meeting with our brother Carl. Note the following –
(1) Prayer is to be offered for all, especially our rulers and leaders, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:2).
(2) 1 Timothy 3:16 refers to the transforming power of the gospel, and how great “the mystery of godliness” is of Christ’s saving work.
(3) 1 Timothy 4:7-8 speak of “exercising” or “disciplining” ourselves to godliness and describe it as much more “profitable” than bodily exercise.
(4) Those who truly seek “godliness” also seek God’s truth, instruction and doctrine. After all, it’s the “doctrine that accords with godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1).
(5) Godliness leads to contentment and great gain (1 Timothy 6:5-6) and should constantly be pursued (1 Timothy 6:11).
(6) Denying “ungodliness and worldly lusts,” we are to live “soberly, righteously and godly” in this present world as Christians (Titus 2:12).
(7) It’s possible to have a “form of godliness,” but to deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). It’s possible to sort of look like, but not really be, connected to God.
(8) All who live godly lives can expect persecution and suffering at times (2 Timothy 3:12). However, such difficulties don’t begin to compare to the blessings and privileges of being in Christ! (Romans 8:18, 28-39).
-Mike Vestal
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