Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-11
The Power of Godliness
Intro.
1. Power drives people (possessions, lusts, position); all these motives are of the world (1 Jno 2:15-17).
2. Power of godliness should drive us, 2 Tim 3:5. (Not outward display)
a. Form (morphosis): “Outward semblance…outline” (Vine, 251); 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. Godliness is formed from within the heart.
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. 1 Tim 4:7-8; 6:11: Godliness has the ability to affect the individual and society for God. THE POWER OF GODLINESS UPON…
I. THE CHRISTIAN, 2 Pet 3:11. (Practices godliness)
A. Power of Spiritual Growth, 2 Pet 1:6-7. A life that respects God’s will. (Devotion to God to please Him, 2 Cor 5:9)
B. Power to be Content, 1 Tim 6:6-10.
1. Sufficiency, sufficient strength, enough.
2. Godliness prioritizes our life (Matt 6:33).
3. Minded to be godly… or to be rich? Matt 6:24
C. Power to Endure, 2 Tim 3:11-12.
-The foundation for Paul’s endurance (Matt 5:10-12; 1 Pet 4:14-16).
D. Power for Moral Living, Titus 2:11-14.
-Battle against worldliness won by godly living and looking for Savior!
E. Shows in our Clothing, 1 Tim 2:9-10.
-Clothing must reflect the godliness we profess.
F. Power over Hypocrisy, 2 Tim 3:1-5.
1. When godliness is within, hypocrisy will not be reflected without.
2. Works will not deny God, Titus 1:16.
II. DOCTRINE.
A. Truth Accords with Godliness, Titus 1:1.
1. Truth harmonizes with and produces godliness. We must know truth in order to live godly, 2 Pet 1:3. (Jno 8:31-32)
2. Piety for God and devotion to pleasing Him naturally turns us to His word to increase of knowledge of His will.
B. Our Doctrine must agree with Godliness, 1 Tim 6:3.
1. Sound teaching is consistent with godliness, in contrast with false teaching (2 Tim 2:15-18).
2. Many doctrines are against godliness: Adulterous remarriages; silence against worldliness (social drinking, immodest clothing, dancing, etc.); easy divorce, etc.
3. Our doctrine must show the godliness.
III. THE HOME, 1 Tim 5:4. (Piety same root word as godliness) 2 Tim 3:1-5
A. Obedience to Parents shows Godliness, 2 Tim 3:2; Rom 1:30.
1. Right before God, honor and blessing, Eph 6:1-3.
2. Hear and obey – blessed, Prov 1:8; 23:22.
B. Thankfulness of Children is a Mark of Godliness, 2 Tim 3:2.
1. Parents give continual care for your growth, happiness and success; Respect your parents by being thankful.
2. Devotion to God helps you be thankful to Him as well as to your parents.
C. Godliness Shows Natural Affection, 2 Tim 3:3.
1. It is not “hard hearted” toward kindred, Rom 1:31. (Love of kindred).
2. Godliness is requisite for the piety of 1 Tim 5:4.
IV. SOCIETY, 1 Tim 2:1-2.
A. Nations fail and fall when Godliness is Extinguished, Prov 14:34; Psa 144:15.
1. God removes wicked kingdoms, Dan 2:21.
2. Preserve by godliness, Matt 5:13.
Conclusion
1. We must be driven by the power of godliness. Its power begins with the individual, which strengthens the church, the home and the nation and the world.
2. A life devoted to pleasing God can make a difference.
3. The power of godliness must work in our lives!