Exercising Yourself Unto Godliness

Exercising Yourself Unto Godliness

Study Text: 1 Timothy 4: 7 - 8

Introduction:

- As Christians, our priority must be kept on eternal things which cannot be seen, and not temporal things which are seen.

- Paul tells Timothy that the same work and commitment that others put towards physical exercise should be put toward the pursuit of godliness.

- Godliness means to have the character and attitude of God. This is a worthy goal for the believer, much more worthy than the potential attainments of physical exercise.

- Bodily exercise profits a little in that it has some value, it is good for a while, while exercising unto godliness is good for all eternity.

- Godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is, and the one to come: The value of godliness is both in the present sense and in the eternal sense. Godliness makes the life that now is better, and give us the best of God all throughout eternity.

- Though, godliness does not make this life the most comfortable, or richest, or most pleasurable, or easiest in the life that now is, it undeniably makes it the best, the most contented, and the most fulfilling life one can live in this world.

- At the same time, godliness is the only guarantee of a profitable life which is to come. There are many pleasures or achievements in this world that obviously has nothing to offer for the life which is to come.

- We shall be discussing the topic under three subheadings:

1. The Portrait of Godliness

2. The Pursuit of Godliness

3. The Profit of Godliness

1. The Portrait of Godliness:

- The greatest compliment that can be used to describe a Christian is to refer to him or her as a godly person.

- Godliness for a believer, is not an option in the development of an acceptable character which is well pleasing unto the Lord. 2 Peter 1:6

- Godliness is not reserved for a few believers in the Bible days, or for some group of super saints in our own days. The privilege and the responsibility of every Christian is to pursue godliness, to study godliness, and to practice godliness.

- What then does it mean to be godly?

1. The Desire to Reverence the Things of God

Godliness is having a reference fear for God, and taking seriously the things of God. The heartbeat of the godly person is the desire to respect and reverence the things of God. They enjoy life because they enjoy the Giver of life.

- Do you have a desire to reference God and take the things of God seriously? If you do, you are well on the path to godliness.

2. Hunger and Thirst after Righteousness

- If we want to be godly we must long for God, seeking Him first and the righteousness of His kingdom. David was such a man. He vividly expressed his longing. Psalm 42:1-2

- Intensity for God, hungering and thirsting after His righteousness, is the heartbeat of a godly person. The godly person is content in their relationship with God, but never satisfied with the present experience. They always yearn for more.

3. Total Trust and Confident Hope in God

- Godliness involves putting our total trust in God with a sustained hope in His help and blessings without looking back.

- The pursuer of godliness focuses attention on God in all things. The trouble and tragedy of modern man is that we tend to divert our focus away from God.

- It is quite possible to become an idolater. An idol is anything that draws our attention and adoration away from God.

- What are you doing to focus on God and trust Him with all your heart? Have you allowed the cares and worries of the world to blur your vision of God? What efforts are you making to keep your feet along His track?

4. Worshipping God in Truth and in Spirit

- Worshipping God in truth and in Spirit enables us to properly acknowledge God and adore Him. We see him as He is: Majestic and Sovereign, and we see ourselves, as we are: insufficient and helpless.

- The godly person removes himself or herself from the center of his or her world and puts God in His proper place.

The reverence of God will cause us to worship God rightly. We are to approach Him with respect and reverence. Reverence of God will also regulate our conduct. If a person worships God they seek to know Him and live obediently to His principles.

5. Full of Good Works and Services to Others

- Godly people don't complain about what is happening to them. Instead, they have found the joy in doing good works and rendering profitable services to others.