5 minute read
How Do We Get Godliness
Stephenson Manuel
One of the Greek words used for Godliness is 'eusebeia', meaning “well devoted” that describes “piety'' which is characterized by a God-ward attitude, that is well pleasing to God. We must have an attitude of pleasing God, in everything we do. Every aspect of our life and ministry must reveal Godliness.
Advertisement
Godliness is a very important word that The word piety is very much related to Godliness. For summarizes the totality of Christian example, in 1 Tim. 5:4, children and grandchildren Spirituality. It denotes our piety leading to have an obligation to express, in a practical way their complete, constant and cheerful obedience dutifulness towards their own family. The Greek word to God's commandments. In other words, we as used here is 'eusebeo'. In the same way children of God Christians need to have (1) complete obedience, (2) have an obligation to our Father God. It could also constant obedience, as well as (3) cheerful obedience mean pious, godly, and devout. to God. This obligation we fulfil though our worship (Act. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (2001, p508) 17:23), through constant obedience to Him; through defines Godliness, as “the manner of life that is reverence to Him; and through developing characters centred on God, with special reference to devotion, that will please Him. It shapes our faith in Him. piety and reverence towards him”. How do we know whether we have Godliness? Compare your life against the scripture portions that speak about the characteristics of ungodly /wicked as well as godly. Our Doctrine (faith) must be consistent with Godliness: In 1 Timothy 6:3, we find “the doctrine according to Godliness” means, our doctrine should be consistent with godliness, which is in contrast with One of the Greek words used for Godliness is the false teachers. In other words, godliness controls 'eusebeia', meaning “well devoted” that describes our doctrine, what we believe. “piety'' which is characterized by a God-ward attitude, that is well pleasing to God. We must have an attitude of pleasing God, in everything we do. Every aspect of our life and ministry must reveal Godliness. True message produces godliness in the hearers: Titus 1:1 Apostle Paul talks about the “…. Knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness”, which means, those who
claim to speak the true message of Christ must be expressed through the Hellenistic idea. For example, ready to be judged by their message, whether it the Greek word 'eusebeia' derives from the word produces godly character in the lives of those who meaning, “to step back” or “to keep a distance”. accept the message. The Greek translation of the Old Testament, called How do we get godliness? Septuagint tries to convey this idea by using the word 1. Through the knowledge of God: As a godly person preaches the message or read the scripture, it creates a picture of a great God in the minds of the people. As for “Fear of God”, which has a central meaning in a life of active obedience to the Law (cf. Lev. 19:14; 25:17; Job 1:1; Ps.128:1; Jere. 32:40). they understand the greatness of God more and more, Leave some things and practice new things: they surrender their lives to obey Him. Thus the knowledge of God produces godliness. In 1Tim. 4: 7-8 : Apostle Paul advised Timothy that true godliness requires obedience, practical action 2. Love of God: “if we love him, we will obey Him”. A and self-discipline. Avoid irreverent, silly myths complete obedience is possible only when we love him which will not do any good to you. If we compare 4:7 fully. 1Tim. 2: 1-3 : Apostle Paul was showing Timothy with 1:4, we understand that true godliness is not a a good and acceptable thing, that is to give thanks, myth, beliefs or knowledge; it requires obedience, pray and intercede for all kinds of people, including practical action and self-discipline (cf. 1 Pet. 1:13). kings and people in authority. So that God will control them and we may be able to lead a quiet and peaceable life, a life of godliness, and honesty. This verse speaks to us two things: (1) The importance of our prayer in order to have a godly life. (2) God who can control the individuals, and circumstances that may stand against our godliness. Godliness is an action oriented word, it is not a philosophy or an idea. In Psalm 12:1 “Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men.” Two important facts are expressed here : God loves to see the godly people. Second, Psalmist could see no godly people. Psalmist continues with few examples of wicked people. People speak lies; speak 3. God Himself enables us: No one can come to with deception; boasting; and oppress the weak. full obedience to God unless He helps us. God enables us by the Holy Spirit, no matter in what circumstance you are positioned, to obey Him. It is true that several people receive grace from God, fear God and live as saints. God encourages everyone to be his saints. God loves them. In the same psalms The Hebrew word translated “godly” is “Hasid”. It (12:5) God promises that “I will now arise and protect” could be used for “grace” as well as “saints”. It them who are affected by the actions of the ungodly. .. indicates those who are recipients of God's grace and and the words of the Lord are flawless, like silver showed the impact of grace in lives. For example (1 refined the furnace .. and purified seven times”. Let us Sam. 2:9; Ps. 4:3; 12:1; etc). always remember that we are saints of God. We need In the New Testament, the word godliness is to offer constant obedience to God. We need to worship Him as we are recipients of His Grace.
KINGDOM PERSPECTIVES Gospel | Literature | Education