Followers of Jesus and non-followers of Jesus can pursue very similar values/morals in life.

The difference between the two is motivation. And the motivation is revealed by an extremely significant three letter word…Why?

Hebrews 1:1–3 (ESV) - Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

1 Timothy 4:6 (ESV) - If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

Godliness begins with our knowledge of – and nourishment from - the Word of God.

1 Timothy 4:7 (ESV) - 7Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

2 Timothy 2:16–18 (ESV) - But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some.

Godliness begins with our knowledge of – and nourishment from - the Word of God.

Godliness grows by strenuous intentionality.

Hebrews 5:14 (ESV) - But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

We surrender…the Holy Spirit transforms.

1 Timothy 4:8-9 (ESV) - for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.

1 Timothy 4:10 (ESV) -For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:11 (ESV) - Command and teach these things.

1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) - Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:13-14 (ESV) - Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4:15-16 (ESV) - Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Godliness grows by strenuous intentionality and persistence.

Godliness begins with our knowledge of – and nourishment from - the Word of God.
Godliness grows by strenuous intentionality and persistence.

There is nothing else in life we ought to be more committed to than the pursuit of godliness in all things.

Discussion Questions

1. (Fun question) If you could go back and live in any era of American history, what decade would you live in?

2. What stood out to you most from this message that you would like to be sure and discuss with this group?

3. What do Psalm 19:7, Colossians 3:16 and 1 Peter 2:2 tell us about the way we must “nourish” ourselves on God Word?

4. Read 1 Timothy 4:13-16 and note all the ways Paul tells (literally commands) Timothy to be intentional and persist in the faith. Why do you think Paul is so adamant with Timothy? Do you take this as personal to you as well? Why or why not?

5. What part does strenuous intentionality (some might prefer “self-discipline”) play in the pursuit of godliness? How does this align with the role of the Holy Spirit in your life?

6. What do you think is or would be effective to help you be nourished and persist in the Word of God?