Neither Idle nor Unfruitfulનમૂનો

Godliness - Meaning of the word

The Greek word translated "godliness" is εὐσέβεια (eusebeia) which means "reverence, respect, piety towards God, godliness". Vine includes this definition: “Piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him." Matthew Henry comments on the passage as follows: "When Christians bear afflictions patiently, they get an experiential knowledge of the loving-kindness of their heavenly Father, which he will not take from his children, even when he visits their iniquity with the rod and their transgression with stripes (Psalms 89:32,33), and hereby they are brought to the child-like fear and reverential love wherein true godliness consists.”

Godliness - Not just a feeling but rather an activity

True devotion is not just a religious feeling - the Athenians were very religious, but ignorant of what they were worshiping (Acts 17:22,23). Cornelius, on the other hand, showed true devotion through his actions (Acts 10:1-4). Godliness is not a natural trait; it is to be actively pursued (1 Timothy 6:11) and requires training just like physical training in the gym (1 Timothy 4:7,8). Godliness doesn't give us spiritual power on our own but rather increases our reliance on God (Acts 3:12).

Godliness – Involves both life and doctrine

Our teaching must be "according to godliness" (KJV) - that is, consistent with a true attitude of reverence and devotion to God (1 Timothy 6:3-5a) and in accordance with the truth of God’s Word (Titus 1:1). True godliness does not see religion as a job or a way to make money, even though the peace that the Lord gives us is priceless (1 Timothy 6:5b, 6). True devotion to Christ is based on the facts of His life as recorded in God’s Word (1 Timothy 3:16; 1 John 1:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8). We must pray for the authorities so that we may have freedom of worship and witness (1 Timothy 2:2). True godliness leads to living holy and godly lives as we prepare for the coming of Christ (2 Peter 3:11,12). In both worship and life, we benefit from the same divine power (2 Peter 1:3).

Godliness - Does not neglect others

The 18th century saw the emergence of a movement called Pietism among Protestant churches. This was a reaction to the cold formalism of the Lutheran church at the time, emphasizing a genuine personal faith with moments of recollection before the Lord. Although the movement had many positive aspects that we can draw lessons from, the emphasis on personal and inner faith over time became more important than true community life. The way we help others, starting with our family, is a measure of our true devotion to God (1 Timothy 5:3-8). Jesus firmly rejected a supposed form of devotion that led to neglecting obligations towards parents (Mark 7:9-13).

Godliness - Not a guarantee of a trouble-free life

Devotion to God does not keep us out of trouble. Paul asserts that persecution is an inevitable sign of true godliness (2 Timothy 3:12). But the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials (2 Peter 2:9).

Biblical examples of godliness

Noah - the man who feared God

Noah's godly fear was demonstrated by building the ark for his family's salvation, an activity that took him a hundred years! (Hebrews 11:7).

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah - three men who risked their lives for their devotion

The three friends who were close to Daniel followed his example and chose not to compromise with paganism (Daniel 1:8-17). These young men stood out at a time when all others were bowing and worshipping the statue Nebuchadnezzar had made (Daniel 3:7-12). According to Daniel 3:28, the king saw God's deliverance as a divine justification for their devotion.