Explore the concept of godliness, emphasizing that it is not about achieving perfection, but aligning our hearts and actions with Jesus, and understanding how to embody it in our daily lives through faithfulness, setting a good example, and walking by the Spirit.
Good morning, church family! Today, we're diving into a topic that's as challenging as it is rewarding: godliness. We're going to explore what godliness looks like, how we can strive for it in our daily lives, and the beautiful fruit it bears.
A.W. Tozer wrote, "The man who has struggled to purify himself and has had nothing but repeated failures will experience real relief when he stops tinkering with his soul and looks away to the perfect One." Our pursuit of godliness is not about reaching some kind of perfection, but rather aligning our hearts and actions more closely with our perfect Savior.
So what does the Bible tell us about godliness? Let's take a look at three passages that give us some insight.
The nature of godliness is a concept that is one that we, as believers, are called to strive for. But what does it mean to be godly? At its core, godliness is about living a life that reflects the character of God. It is about embodying the virtues and values that He holds dear, and it is about aligning our hearts and actions with His will.
The nature of God Himself: The Bible tells us that God is love, that He is just, that He is merciful, and that He is holy. Therefore, to be godly is to strive to be loving, just, merciful, and holy in our own lives. It is about seeking to emulate these aspects of God's character in our interactions with others, in our decision-making, and in our attitudes and perspectives.
Not about achieving some kind of moral perfection: As humans, we are inherently flawed and sinful, and we will never be able to attain perfection in this life. But the pursuit of godliness is not about reaching a destination; it is about embarking on a journey. It is about making a conscious effort each day to live in a way that honors God and reflects His character.
Not something we undertake alone: As believers, we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, guiding us and empowering us in our pursuit of godliness. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, prompts us towards righteousness, and helps us to discern God's will in our lives. As we yield to the Spirit's leading, we are able to grow in godliness, becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
It’s relational: Our godliness is not just about our personal piety or moral uprightness; it is also about our relationships with others. Godliness is reflected in the way we treat others, in the way we love, forgive, and serve those around us. It is about embodying Christ's love and compassion in our interactions with others, and it is about seeking to bring glory to God in all that we do.
Our attitudes and motivations: Godliness is not just about doing the right things; it is about doing the right things for the right reasons. It is about having a heart that is pure and motives that are aligned with God's will. It is about seeking to honor God not just in our actions, but also in our thoughts and desires.
A lifelong journey: It’s one that requires commitment, humility, and reliance on God's grace. But it is a journey that is incredibly rewarding, for it leads us closer to the heart of God and enables us to experience His peace, joy, and fulfillment in our lives.
The pursuit of godliness is one that requires constant commitment, discipline, and a heart that is fully surrendered to God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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