INTRODUCTION:
A. “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Pet. 3:10-12).
B. We must get a grip on godliness (2 Tim. 3:12; 2 Pet. 2:9).
I. WHAT IS GODLINESS?
A. Single-Word Translations: (godliness, piety, devoutness, reverence)
B. Short, Practical Definitions:
1. “living the kind of life that pleases God…” (Schreiner)
2. “practical awareness of God in every aspect of life” (Green)
3. “attitude of heart which bows in willing submission to deity” (Shelly)
4. “confession of the one living and true God and the life corresponding to this knowledge” (Vincent).
5. “acknowledging and doing one’s duty both to God and his fellowman” (Sheerer)
II. WHY IS GODLINESS IMPORTANT?
A. Because of what it shows us about the genuineness of our faith
1. True godliness flows in two directions (Jas. 1:27; Mic. 6:8; Mt. 22:37-39).
2. True godliness is founded on true knowledge (2 Pet. 1:3).
3. False godliness is founded on false knowledge (2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 Tim. 6:3; Tit. 1:1).
B. Because of what it shows us about the value of our faith (Jn. 10:10; 2 Cor. 4:17; Rom. 8:18; 1 Tim. 6:6; 4:8; Mt. 6:19-21; Col. 3:1-4).
III. WHAT DOES GODLINESS LOOK LIKE?
A. Godliness looks like Jesus.
1. As far as pleasing God (Mt. 3:17)
2. As far as awareness of God (Mk. 1:35; Lk. 23:46)
3. As far as willing submission (Jn. 4:34; Lk. 22:42)
B. Where do we begin?
1. With God, He is the Giver.
2. Diligently add godliness to your faith (2 Pet. 1:5-7).
3. Actively pursue godliness (1 Tim. 6:11).
4. Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness (1 Tim. 4:7).
5. Deny ungodliness (Tit. 2:13-14).
6. Do not neglect a diligent study of God’s word, earnest dependency upon God in prayer, consistent encouragement of the church, and eager anticipation of the Lord’s return.
C. One of the first things people notice about our faith is the presence of or absence of godliness.