GODLINESS —Godliness is having such a vital relationship with God that it produces godly conduct in our lives. It is piety and reverence towards God. We are to actively pursue godliness. Godliness benefits us in this life and in the life to come. It brings great gain. We are also warned that some would try to appear godly, when, in fact, they are ungodly.

Truth and godliness go hand in hand.

·        1 Timothy 6:3 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;

·        Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;

We should pursue godliness.

·        1 Timothy 4:7-8 But 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.

·        1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

·        2 Peter 1:6-7 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

·        2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

Godliness results in great gain.

·        1 Timothy 6:5-6 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Some profess godliness when they are not godly.

·        2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

God empowers us to live a godly life. We have no excuse not to.

·        2 Peter 1:3 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:

-- Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry