... to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness

Godliness - knowing and doing all that God requires to the extent that it becomes our identity;

purchased by having our lives characterized by seeking and obeying the Truth, without regard to the temporal consequences

I. Godliness is Good Worship

A. Good Worship is a Response to Revelation. We must have both the right knowledge about what God has revealed as well as the right response that God has specified. (Compare to Wisdom: right objectives, and right means of obtaining them). Our worship is worthless when based on incorrect revelation, or wrong emphasis (correct one can only come from systematic, synthetic study of the Scripture).

Mt 15: 7  "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8  ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9  And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’"

B. Godliness is sourced in faith (belief that God is who He said He is and will do what He said He’ll do {reward those who diligently seek Him} Heb 11:6), channeled by virtue, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance, finding it’s fullest expression in love.

We have all we need to know and obey 2Pe 1:3  as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

II. Godliness is prompted by knowledge, and perfected by obedience.

A. We must actively seek God’s will (which is knowable Jn 7:17)

Titus 1:1...apostle for the faith of God’s elect and the experiential knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness

B. We must obey God’s will passionately (which is doable Heb 10:36)

1. Workout for godliness 1Ti 4:7  But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

2. Flee temptation and Pursue virtue with other disciples 1Ti 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 11  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

2Tim 2:22 But flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

3. Resist Temptation  2Pe 2:9 Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations reserve the unjust under punishment for day of judgment

4. Withdraw from the proud and ignorant ungodly 1Ti 6:3  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4  he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5  useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that (financial) gain is godliness (KJV). From such withdraw yourself.

5. Shun the hypocrites 2Ti 3:5  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (1Cor 15:33)

III. Characteristics linked with Godliness

Fear God, give, pray Ac 10:2  devout/godly, who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously, prayed to God always.

Lawful and influential Ac 22:12...a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,

Reverence 1Ti 2:2  for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence

Motivated by future 2Pe 3:11 since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness

Mystery 1Ti 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. What does an outward form of godliness look like? (2Tim 3:5) How does a hypocrite deny the power? How does it relate to knowledge?

2. How can someone have a knowledge of what is pleasing to God but a lack of obedience to that knowledge? What’s lacking? Why?

3. How does godliness differ from virtue or obedience? Do we put the same diligence into obtaining godliness as we do exercise?

4. How does godliness manifest itself in our daily lives? In relationships? In hopes and dreams? At work? In the morning? At night?

5. Why is it hard for us to withdraw from the proud and ignorant ungodly?  Why do we have trouble acting “impolite”?