1.  Power drives worldly people ($, lust, posi­tion, pride), 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

2.  The power of godliness should govern and drive us. 2 Tim. 3:5--

  a.    Form: “Outward semblance” (Vine, 251). cf. Matt. 23:27

  b.      Godliness (eusebeia): “from EU, well, and SEBOMAI, to be devout, denotes that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him” (Vine, 272); Piety, reverence, devotion.

  c.    Power (dunamis): “used relatively, denotes inherent ability, capability, ability to perform anything.....used absolutely, denotes (1) power to work, to carry some­thing into effect.....(2) power in action...” (Vine, 406).

3.  Godliness has the power to shape and mold the individual and society for God, 1 Tim. 4:7-8; 6:11.  THE POWER OF GODLINESS...

 

I.  IN THE CHRISTIAN, 2 Pet. 3:11 (Acts of godliness).

  A.  Spiritual Growth, 2 Pet. 1:6-7.

     -A life that respects God’s will. Devotion to please God (2 Cor. 5:9).

  B.  Contentment, 1 Tim. 6:6-10. Sufficiency, sufficient strength, enough

    1.  Godliness prioritizes our life.

    2.  Minded to be godly ... rich? Matt. 6:24

  C.  Endurance, 2 Tim. 3:11-12.

     -The foundation for Paul's endurance (Matt. 5:10-12; 1 Pet. 4:14-16).

  D.  Moral Living, Titus 2:11-14.

     -Battle against worldliness won by godly living and looking for Savior.

  E.  Clothing, 1 Tim. 2:9-10. Reflect the godliness we pro­fess.

  F.  Sincerity (not hypocrisy), 2 Tim. 3:1-5.

    1.  Godliness within eliminates hypocrisy without.

    2.  Works will not deny God, Titus 1:16.

 

II.  IN THE CHURCH.

  A.  Godliness Affected by our Knowledge of the Truth, Titus 1:1.

    1.  Truth produces godliness: We must know truth in order to live godly, 2 Pet. 1:3.

    2.  Piety for God and interest in pleasing Him naturally turns us to His word to learn more of His will.

  B.  Our Doctrine, 1 Tim. 6:3.

    1.  Teaching must be consistent with godliness, in contrast with false teaching (2 Tim. 2:15-18).

    2.  Many doctrines are against godliness today: Adulterous remarriages; social drinking, immodest clothing, modern dancing, easy divorce, etc.

    3.  Casual attitudes and negligent attendance toward worshiping God, Heb. 10:24-25.

 

III.  IN THE HOME. 1 Tim. 5:4 (Piety same root word as godliness), cf. 2 Tim. 3:1-5--

  A.  Obedience to Parents (3:2), Rom. 1:30.

    1.  Right before God, Honor, Eph. 6:1-2.

    2.  Hear and obey - Blessed, Prov. 1:8; 23:22.

  B.  Thankfulness of Children (3:2).

    1.  Parents give continual care for your growth, happiness and success. Respect your parents and show it in words and actions.

    2.  Devotion to God helps us be thankful to God and to parents.

  C.  Natural Affection toward Each Other (3:3).

    1.  Love of kindred, Rom. 1:31. We often hurt worse those we say we love the most.

    2.  This is where 1 Tim. 5:4 finds its duty / privilege ("requite", repay).

 

IV.  IN SOCIETY, 1 Tim. 2:1-2.

  A.  Nations Fall when Godliness Evaporates, Prov. 14:34; Psa. 144:15.

    1.  God removes wicked kingdoms (will remove this wicked nation, too), Dan. 2:21.

    2.  Preserved by godliness of the faithful, Matt. 5:13.

 

Conclusion

1.  We must be driven by the power of godli­ness.  Begins with the individual -- church -- the home -- the nation -- the world.

2.  A life devoted to pleasing God can make a difference.

3.  Let the power of godliness work in your life.