The Practice of Godliness

Godliness — Devotion to God.

Godliness is devotion to God that results in a life that pleases Him. It is both an inward attitude toward God and outward actions that reflect that relationship.

Simply put, Godliness is living a fruitful and obedient Christian life, with devotion to God; a relationship to Him that drives a different behavior from the inside-out… Christlike character reflected in your thoughts, attitudes, actions & reactions… how you think, what you say and how you say it and what you do in the every situation and circumstance in your life and even in the midst of all those trials and tribulations which we all as believers are promised, all which should be Christ-like and pleasing to God and bringing Him glory.

Godliness produces: worship, obedience, holiness, contentment, compassion, and witness. It is a life aligned with God’s character, displaying His holiness and love in everyday actions.

Godliness begins with a reverent fear of God. It flows from a personal relationship with Him. It is motivated by gratitude of grace, not legalism.

Discipline is necessary, but grace empowers growth. We must pursue godliness not to earn salvation, but because we are saved.

The Characteristics of Godliness

Devotion to God: Love for God, desire to glorify Him and regular, consistent prayer and worship.

Contentment: Trusting God’s sovereign control, resting on His providence, and freedom from covetousness.

Joy: Joy is rooted in God, not circumstances.

Humility: Seeing ourselves accurately before God. Dependence on His grace.

Self-Control: Especially in speech and emotions.

Faithfulness and Integrity: Consistency between belief and behavior.

Love: Genuine care for others, expressed through actions; what we say, how we say it and what we do.

The Role of Discipline

Discipline means doing things they way they are supposed to done; doing the right things, the right way.

Godliness required intentional and consistent effort.

Spiritual growth is not automatic. We must “train ourselves.” (1 Timothy 4:47)

But personal discipline and actions must always be partnered with dependence on the Holy Spirit.

The Means of Growth

Scripture; the Word of God, consistent prayer, fellowship with fellow believers, and obedience in daily responsibilities of life.

Growth in godliness is progressive and lifelong; small improvement every day.

Key Emphasis

Be cautious of cultural Christianity influenced by Satan and his demons, superficial morality, and private devotion without public obedience.

True godliness affects thoughts, attitudes, actions and reactions, speech, relationships, work ethic, daily chores, character, identity, the important roles you play in life and the quality of life you live each day. All are visible.

Godliness is devotion to God expressed through disciplined, Spirit-empowered growth in Christlike character.

1 Timothy – Godliness Defined and Pursued

  • 1 Timothy 4:7–8 – “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness… godliness is profitable for all things.”
  • 1 Timothy 6:6 – “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
  • 1 Timothy 6:11 – “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.”
  • 1 Timothy 3:16 – “The mystery of godliness” centered in Christ.

Here godliness is something you train for, pursue, and practice.

2 Peter – Godliness in the Growth Process

  • 2 Peter 1:3–7 – God’s power grants “everything pertaining to life and godliness.”
  • Godliness is part of the growth chain: faith → moral excellence → knowledge → self-control → perseverance → godliness → brotherly kindness → love

Godliness is a middle link — it flows from self-control and perseverance and produces love.

Titus – Godliness Produced by Grace

  • Titus 2:11–12 The grace of God… instructs us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in this present age.

Godliness is the result of grace rightly understood.

Psalms – Godliness as Integrity

  • Psalm 1 – The blessed man delights in God’s law.
  • Psalm 15 – The godly person walks with integrity, speaks truth, keeps promises.
  • Psalm 24:3–4 – “He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”

Godliness shows up in character and conduct.

Proverbs – Fear of the Lord

  • “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (1:7)
  • “By the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.” (16:6)

The fear of the Lord is the foundation of godliness.

Hebrews – Reverent Worship

  • Hebrews 12:28 “Let us offer to God acceptable service with reverence and awe.”

Godliness includes reverent worship and gratitude.

The Gospels – Christ as the Model

(Also Matthew, Mark, Luke)

  • Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father (John 8:29).
  • He withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16).
  • He showed mercy, truth, courage, and holiness.

Godliness is ultimately Christlikeness.