Um, duh. Kinda missed the godly word in my reading. It's right there in 2 Corinthians 7:11.
"See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter"
So what is Godly sorrow? It's an awareness of our own sins. The ungodly don't have to worry about their moral shortcomings because it doesn't matter to them. But those who are striving to be godly and live a life that is pleasing to God must constantly assess their lives and root out the sin in them. When we sin we should feel this godly sorrow so that this sorrow can lead to repentance. Since godliness is a foundational attribute that I am seeking out, the natural expression of godliness when I go against the will of God ought to be sorrow, horror and indignation at my mistake. Lord, I ask you to forgive me of my multitude of sins. I am humbly seeking you Lord for answers. Forgive me and help me to walk with you. Help me to cease to do what is evil and learn to do what is good.
Showing posts with label Godliness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Godliness. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
The Promises of God
I think I found the "godly" word I was looking for in 2 Corinthians 7. But, in the NIV it is translated as holiness. It's connected to some promises Paul is reiterating in 2 Corinthians 6.
"I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
Paul then states since we have these incredible promises from God lets purify ourselves and live godly lives perfecting the holiness that we strive for. This is my prayer Lord, that I can purify myself before you and strive for the perfection of holiness.
"I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
Paul then states since we have these incredible promises from God lets purify ourselves and live godly lives perfecting the holiness that we strive for. This is my prayer Lord, that I can purify myself before you and strive for the perfection of holiness.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Godly in Acts 8
In continuing to understand what it means to be godly I've come to the next instance in the Bible, Acts 8.
"Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him" (Acts 8:2).
This doesn't tell us a whole deal about godliness, so I backed up to Acts 6 & 7 and read about Stephen.
Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power (Acts 6:8). Many leaders of the Jews rose up in opposition to him, but "They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him" (6:10). So to get Stephen in trouble they lied about him and Stephen wound up in front of the Sanhedrin for trial.
In chapter 7 Stephen gave an account of the History of Israel and how it led to the people always turning their backs on God and his prophets up to the killing of Jesus. He calls out to them "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" (Acts 7:51).
The Sanhedrin stoned Stephen and yet Stephen saw God as he was being murdered. In the end, he followed Christ's example and asked the Father not to hold his murderers accountable for the sin they were committing. That is exact godliness. That is Christ-like in all that it can be.
So, Chapter 8 begins with Saul's persecution of the Church. With persecution breaking out against the Christians in Jerusalem, the apostles are scattered. But, "Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him" (Acts 8:2). It's apparent that Stephen was godly as testified in the account of his death. But, I had to dig a bit deeper into some commentaries to understand why those who buried him were godly.
According to David Guzik's commentary, the godly men who buried Stephen and lamented over his death were breaking Jewish law as it was against the Law to mourn for someone who was executed. This shows that these men were breaking with custom to be God-like rather than religious. They felt sorrow for the loss of Stephen and remorse for him being killed. A godly lesson from this is to do what is right in God's eyes, rather than following custom or tradition.
From this little reading I have this prayer: Lord, help me to continue to learn what it is to be godly so that my character can be built up in your image. Also help me to not be like the Sanhedrin and always resist the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace of Stephen to forgive as Christ forgave. Grow me closer to you so that your Spirit may move through me freely.
"Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him" (Acts 8:2).
This doesn't tell us a whole deal about godliness, so I backed up to Acts 6 & 7 and read about Stephen.
Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power (Acts 6:8). Many leaders of the Jews rose up in opposition to him, but "They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him" (6:10). So to get Stephen in trouble they lied about him and Stephen wound up in front of the Sanhedrin for trial.
In chapter 7 Stephen gave an account of the History of Israel and how it led to the people always turning their backs on God and his prophets up to the killing of Jesus. He calls out to them "You stiff-necked people! Your hearts and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit!" (Acts 7:51).
The Sanhedrin stoned Stephen and yet Stephen saw God as he was being murdered. In the end, he followed Christ's example and asked the Father not to hold his murderers accountable for the sin they were committing. That is exact godliness. That is Christ-like in all that it can be.
So, Chapter 8 begins with Saul's persecution of the Church. With persecution breaking out against the Christians in Jerusalem, the apostles are scattered. But, "Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him" (Acts 8:2). It's apparent that Stephen was godly as testified in the account of his death. But, I had to dig a bit deeper into some commentaries to understand why those who buried him were godly.
According to David Guzik's commentary, the godly men who buried Stephen and lamented over his death were breaking Jewish law as it was against the Law to mourn for someone who was executed. This shows that these men were breaking with custom to be God-like rather than religious. They felt sorrow for the loss of Stephen and remorse for him being killed. A godly lesson from this is to do what is right in God's eyes, rather than following custom or tradition.
From this little reading I have this prayer: Lord, help me to continue to learn what it is to be godly so that my character can be built up in your image. Also help me to not be like the Sanhedrin and always resist the Holy Spirit. Give me the grace of Stephen to forgive as Christ forgave. Grow me closer to you so that your Spirit may move through me freely.
Friday, February 6, 2015
God listens to the godly man
In continuing my quest I read John 9, the next occurrence of some form of the word 'godly' in the Scriptures. I posted in my last blurb about the dangers of trying to abstract some philosophy or theology from a particular passage when the person who interacted with Jesus simply believed and that was good enough for him. It should be good enough for us. But, I came to John 9 to find out more about godliness. The word godly occurs in verse 31.
"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will" (John 9:31).
Again, we find a command and a promise in understanding God, albeit in a slightly different wording. The promise is that God listens to the godly man. The command is doing God's will. So in understanding what it means to be godly we know that we must do God's will. In return for doing God's will He will listen to us.
From this section we learn a little bit more about what it means to be godly. First, it means to do the will of God. Second, we learn that God listens to the godly man. We also learn a little bit about godliness based on who God doesn't listen to. God doesn't listen to sinners. So a godly man is one who does the will of God and is not a sinner. Lord, help me to refrain from sin and to do your will. Show me what your will is so that I can do it. Treat me like the blind man. I am asking Who is he so that I may believe in Him. Hear my prayer my Lord. Bend my will to yours. I want desperately to be godly.
"We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will" (John 9:31).
Again, we find a command and a promise in understanding God, albeit in a slightly different wording. The promise is that God listens to the godly man. The command is doing God's will. So in understanding what it means to be godly we know that we must do God's will. In return for doing God's will He will listen to us.
From this section we learn a little bit more about what it means to be godly. First, it means to do the will of God. Second, we learn that God listens to the godly man. We also learn a little bit about godliness based on who God doesn't listen to. God doesn't listen to sinners. So a godly man is one who does the will of God and is not a sinner. Lord, help me to refrain from sin and to do your will. Show me what your will is so that I can do it. Treat me like the blind man. I am asking Who is he so that I may believe in Him. Hear my prayer my Lord. Bend my will to yours. I want desperately to be godly.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
What does the one God Seek?
In continuing my study on what Godliness is I've started with a concordance and gone to where the word "godly" or "godliness" occurs in the Scriptures. The first instance is Malachi 2:15:
"Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."
For some context I read the whole of Malachi. It talks about the faithless who have married women devoted to foreign gods. It talks about returning to God and Him promising to return to the Israelites. Since, godliness requires a full devotion to God, foreign gods cannot be tolerated. It talks about the sacrifices the Israelites were giving to God were not pure (lame, blind, blemished animals).
Through Malachi God poses a few good questions. First, he asks, "If I am a father, where is the honor due me?" (Malachi 1:6). Since God made us, we belong to him in body and spirit. We must be devoted to Him fully because we are His. This is the foundational aspect of godliness, being devoted to Him. If we are devoted to Him as a father, we must therefore honor Him. So in response to God's question I pray, Lord you are my father and help me to do all that is honorable to you. Keep me from temptations that would bring dishonor to you and in the face of temptations help me to be strong to overcome them.
The second question posed in Malachi is actually a response to God's assertion. God states, "Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty" (Malachi 3:7). The writer then states, "How are we to return?"
This is the question I am asking. How am I to return? How am I to be godly?
God responds with a question and a declaration. The Israelites have been robbing God by not bringing their whole tithe to Him. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house" (Malachi 3:10). So to return to God is to give the whole tithe to God. To return to God is to give Him all that is asked of us. To be godly is to Give to God what He is owed. Since I belong to Him in body and spirit, I offer all of me to Him. Hear my prayer God and accept my offering of myself.
Malachi 3:10 is both instructions and a promise. It's funny how God often links these together. He instructs us to do something and promises a great outcome. Give to God the whole tithe and He will "throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it".
God you are the one God, who created us. You are the Father and I have been robbing you. Accept now my whole tithe. So, what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. As a child of God, I seek to be that. I seek to be a godly offspring.
"Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth."
For some context I read the whole of Malachi. It talks about the faithless who have married women devoted to foreign gods. It talks about returning to God and Him promising to return to the Israelites. Since, godliness requires a full devotion to God, foreign gods cannot be tolerated. It talks about the sacrifices the Israelites were giving to God were not pure (lame, blind, blemished animals).
Through Malachi God poses a few good questions. First, he asks, "If I am a father, where is the honor due me?" (Malachi 1:6). Since God made us, we belong to him in body and spirit. We must be devoted to Him fully because we are His. This is the foundational aspect of godliness, being devoted to Him. If we are devoted to Him as a father, we must therefore honor Him. So in response to God's question I pray, Lord you are my father and help me to do all that is honorable to you. Keep me from temptations that would bring dishonor to you and in the face of temptations help me to be strong to overcome them.
The second question posed in Malachi is actually a response to God's assertion. God states, "Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord Almighty" (Malachi 3:7). The writer then states, "How are we to return?"
This is the question I am asking. How am I to return? How am I to be godly?
God responds with a question and a declaration. The Israelites have been robbing God by not bringing their whole tithe to Him. "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house" (Malachi 3:10). So to return to God is to give the whole tithe to God. To return to God is to give Him all that is asked of us. To be godly is to Give to God what He is owed. Since I belong to Him in body and spirit, I offer all of me to Him. Hear my prayer God and accept my offering of myself.
Malachi 3:10 is both instructions and a promise. It's funny how God often links these together. He instructs us to do something and promises a great outcome. Give to God the whole tithe and He will "throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it".
God you are the one God, who created us. You are the Father and I have been robbing you. Accept now my whole tithe. So, what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. As a child of God, I seek to be that. I seek to be a godly offspring.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
What is godliness?
In my last post I said that I would start studying what it is to be godly because of the call to godliness in 1 Timothy 4. If I am going to train myself to be godly I sort of need to know what that end is. So, I first did a topical search of "godly" and "godliness" to find out where it's located in the Bible only to find a scant number of references. I'll research each one of these thoroughly, use different translations and hit up some commentaries as well to do a deeper research on it. But, I'm also going to do the 21st century thing to and research online and get some quick answers. Additionally I'll do the old fashioned thing of reading some books. Hopefully this three pronged attack will help me to learn what godliness is, how to train for it and how to achieve it.
But, the first little google search came up from https://bible.org/article/what-godliness and I found it to be a good start. I'm going to quote it some and then I'll paraphrase it some. Then I'll try and get some application out of it to.
The article illuminates the importance of godliness, in spite of very few Biblical references that use the exact term. It states that "No higher compliment can be paid to a Christian than to call him a godly person." It states that "it is both the privilege and duty of every Christian to pursue godliness, to train himself to be godly, to study diligently the practice of godliness". Fantastic. This is what I want. I want to be godly - I want to study it diligently. Hence, this exercise. But, the definition of godliness is a difficult one, sort of like a game. Try defining that sometime with any precision.
Godliness, it goes on to state is a foundational spiritual attribute. It is a foundation from which all godly character is built on. These again are of course things that I want, things that I need. To overcome some of my character flaws I need them to be replaced with positive ones. To become a better Christian I need to have a firm foundation. But, still the definition is a bit hazy. It just doesn't seem like a tangible thing that I can reach out for. It's not something I can really build a training regime towards.
But, then the page talks about Enoch and gets a bit more specific. Things become a bit clearer. Godliness is a relationship with God, pleasing God, walking with God. These three things combined equal a devotion to God. Devotion then is the meaning of godliness. But, devotion isn't a mere activity. Rather, devotion is an attitude towards God. "The practice of godliness is an exercise or discipline that focuses upon God." Devotion to God is repurposing one's life to center on God. This is a little more tangible - something that I can shoot for. "Godliness is more than Christian character: it is Christian Character that springs from a devotion to God".
So, what then does devotion look like practically? Devotion is a motivation for Christian behavior that is pleasing to God. Devotion is a relationship with God, pleasing with God and walking with God. It's being like Enoch (so a study on Enoch is obviously forthcoming).
Interestingly, though I found a bit in the page that shows where devotion can go wrong. There are lots of Christians that are devoted to certain aspects of God or of godly living. This can hamper true devotion as it will take one's mind off of God - kind of like missing the forest for the trees. So devotion, if it is to lead to godliness must be a devotion wholly to God, not to an aspect of Him or His ministry. Godliness then can be defined as the devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him.
Also interesting in this little page was a delineation between a godly person, a moral person and a benevolent person. A moral person does the things that are moral for the sake of morality. A benevolent person does benevolent things for the sake of benevolence. A godly person though, does moral things and benevolent things because they are godly. Godliness is always the end. Morality and benevolence are good things, just not ends to themselves.
So, it is a bit better defined for me, but where do I start? Godliness starts from cultivating a relationship with God. That is tangible enough for me
But, the first little google search came up from https://bible.org/article/what-godliness and I found it to be a good start. I'm going to quote it some and then I'll paraphrase it some. Then I'll try and get some application out of it to.
The article illuminates the importance of godliness, in spite of very few Biblical references that use the exact term. It states that "No higher compliment can be paid to a Christian than to call him a godly person." It states that "it is both the privilege and duty of every Christian to pursue godliness, to train himself to be godly, to study diligently the practice of godliness". Fantastic. This is what I want. I want to be godly - I want to study it diligently. Hence, this exercise. But, the definition of godliness is a difficult one, sort of like a game. Try defining that sometime with any precision.
Godliness, it goes on to state is a foundational spiritual attribute. It is a foundation from which all godly character is built on. These again are of course things that I want, things that I need. To overcome some of my character flaws I need them to be replaced with positive ones. To become a better Christian I need to have a firm foundation. But, still the definition is a bit hazy. It just doesn't seem like a tangible thing that I can reach out for. It's not something I can really build a training regime towards.
But, then the page talks about Enoch and gets a bit more specific. Things become a bit clearer. Godliness is a relationship with God, pleasing God, walking with God. These three things combined equal a devotion to God. Devotion then is the meaning of godliness. But, devotion isn't a mere activity. Rather, devotion is an attitude towards God. "The practice of godliness is an exercise or discipline that focuses upon God." Devotion to God is repurposing one's life to center on God. This is a little more tangible - something that I can shoot for. "Godliness is more than Christian character: it is Christian Character that springs from a devotion to God".
So, what then does devotion look like practically? Devotion is a motivation for Christian behavior that is pleasing to God. Devotion is a relationship with God, pleasing with God and walking with God. It's being like Enoch (so a study on Enoch is obviously forthcoming).
Interestingly, though I found a bit in the page that shows where devotion can go wrong. There are lots of Christians that are devoted to certain aspects of God or of godly living. This can hamper true devotion as it will take one's mind off of God - kind of like missing the forest for the trees. So devotion, if it is to lead to godliness must be a devotion wholly to God, not to an aspect of Him or His ministry. Godliness then can be defined as the devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him.
Also interesting in this little page was a delineation between a godly person, a moral person and a benevolent person. A moral person does the things that are moral for the sake of morality. A benevolent person does benevolent things for the sake of benevolence. A godly person though, does moral things and benevolent things because they are godly. Godliness is always the end. Morality and benevolence are good things, just not ends to themselves.
So, it is a bit better defined for me, but where do I start? Godliness starts from cultivating a relationship with God. That is tangible enough for me
Train yourself to be godly
In searching for the part of Scripture about weak and strong faiths and how they lead believers to either enjoy or abstain from foods I came across 1 Timothy 4, before finding the passage in Romans I was looking for. A couple things came across to me immediately.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
This quickly gives me hope that I can overcome the alcohol problem and after awhile be able to receive the gifts of God with thanksgiving through consecration by prayer. Prayer is not a strong suit for me, but I'm hoping that keeping up this blog will increase my prayer life. In essence, while it covers numerous other topics, it is a collection of prayers to God. I hope to receive everything from God with thanksgiving. This is my prayer for what my future holds.
But, the alcohol angle of my prayer life will hopefully be fleeting and transient. I hope I don't have to concentrate on this subject matter for an extended point of time. The exhortation I see in later is something entirely different. "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (I Timothy 4:7-8).
I'm going to ignore the "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales" part for a moment. I hope that this isn't an exhortation to ignore philosophy or other things I have interest in. But, I am going to focus on training myself to be godly. What does that mean exactly?
To be honest, I haven't exactly figured it out. So, what I'll do is simply study everywhere the Scriptures uses the word "godly" or "godliness" and build from there. I'll study the text and try and figure out how to make it practically applicable to my life.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
This quickly gives me hope that I can overcome the alcohol problem and after awhile be able to receive the gifts of God with thanksgiving through consecration by prayer. Prayer is not a strong suit for me, but I'm hoping that keeping up this blog will increase my prayer life. In essence, while it covers numerous other topics, it is a collection of prayers to God. I hope to receive everything from God with thanksgiving. This is my prayer for what my future holds.
But, the alcohol angle of my prayer life will hopefully be fleeting and transient. I hope I don't have to concentrate on this subject matter for an extended point of time. The exhortation I see in later is something entirely different. "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (I Timothy 4:7-8).
I'm going to ignore the "Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales" part for a moment. I hope that this isn't an exhortation to ignore philosophy or other things I have interest in. But, I am going to focus on training myself to be godly. What does that mean exactly?
To be honest, I haven't exactly figured it out. So, what I'll do is simply study everywhere the Scriptures uses the word "godly" or "godliness" and build from there. I'll study the text and try and figure out how to make it practically applicable to my life.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Sermon notes on Suffering
(Originally Written May 25, 2008 in the Journal)
Pastor Nace Lanier, Burke Community Church Sermon Notes
Devotion is the Christ-centered life (godliness).
God will give you more than you can handle.
Abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul (I Peter 2:11-12 paraphrase).
Submit in public life.
Christians have a responsibility beyond the church. We ought to work even with non-Christians toward moral goals.
Submit in private life.
Grin and bear your suffering, mindful of God. If you suffer while mindful of God it is great and powerful. If you suffer without being mindful of God, then it is worthless.
We suffer as Christians. Suffering is to be accepted and embraced.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
God gives us more than we can handle so that we trust in Him alone.
Thank you Lord for this morning's service at Burke. How coincidental was the sermon subject would be suffering. Obviously, that is a bit sarcastic because with you there is no coincidence, all is ordered.
Lord I submit myself to you. I am your willing servant. I give you all that I have and all that I am. Remember me as you look upon this wreckage of a man. Lord show me how I may follow Christ's footsteps. Show me the continuing path to you. I will walk neither left nor right, but straight and narrow.
Be with my grandmother as she is suffering physical pain with a broken back. Lord heal her wounds and comfort her as she takes the last steps on her journey to you. Be with her in that hospital bed. Send down your angels to minister to her body and soul. I beseech you Lord and call on your good will to hear and answer this prayer.
Lord as always your will be done.
Pastor Nace Lanier, Burke Community Church Sermon Notes
Devotion is the Christ-centered life (godliness).
God will give you more than you can handle.
Abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul (I Peter 2:11-12 paraphrase).
Submit in public life.
Christians have a responsibility beyond the church. We ought to work even with non-Christians toward moral goals.
Submit in private life.
Grin and bear your suffering, mindful of God. If you suffer while mindful of God it is great and powerful. If you suffer without being mindful of God, then it is worthless.
We suffer as Christians. Suffering is to be accepted and embraced.
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
God gives us more than we can handle so that we trust in Him alone.
Thank you Lord for this morning's service at Burke. How coincidental was the sermon subject would be suffering. Obviously, that is a bit sarcastic because with you there is no coincidence, all is ordered.
Lord I submit myself to you. I am your willing servant. I give you all that I have and all that I am. Remember me as you look upon this wreckage of a man. Lord show me how I may follow Christ's footsteps. Show me the continuing path to you. I will walk neither left nor right, but straight and narrow.
Be with my grandmother as she is suffering physical pain with a broken back. Lord heal her wounds and comfort her as she takes the last steps on her journey to you. Be with her in that hospital bed. Send down your angels to minister to her body and soul. I beseech you Lord and call on your good will to hear and answer this prayer.
Lord as always your will be done.
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