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.

 

Continued... Part 2