Lesson 2:

Understanding Godliness

1.       Godliness is central to the religion of Christ.

a.       God’s grace teaches us to be godly in fulfillment of His divine purpose. (Titus 2:11-14)

b.      Every Christian, regardless of age or ability, has all he needs to practice godliness. (2Peter 1:2-4)

2.      What is godliness?

a.       Godliness is a foundational concept; Christ-like character is its fruit. (2Peter 3:11)

b.      Enoch’s life is an example of godliness. (Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5)

                                                              i.      Enoch walked with God, i.e. he had a relationship with God.

                                                            ii.      Enoch relationship with God compelled him to live in a God-pleasing way.

c.       Godliness involves the same type of devotion to God we see in Enoch’s life.

3.      What is real devotion to God?

a.       True, spiritual devotion consists of a God-toward attitude that leads us to obey Him.

b.      This devotion is an always active, never passive, compelling attitude of the heart.

4.      What role do emotions play in a godly life?

a.       Godliness begins with an attitude of devotion toward God.

                                                              i.      This attitude is emotional, but not solely emotional.

                                                            ii.      True devotion involves focus, reverence, and total commitment.

b.      We need more than just the right feeling to please God; we need the right attitude.

                                                              i.      Genuine emotion is essential in the service of God. (cf. 1Corinthians 16:22)

                                                            ii.      Emotions cannot replace reason, but neither can reason substitute for emotion.

c.       If we are not truly devoted to God, our lives will never conform to His will.

5.      To please God, we must first get our heads on straight!

a.       Devotion is not itself an activity; it is an attitude toward God.

b.      This God-toward attitude involves living with a reverent awareness of God every day.

c.       We cannot develop a godly character until we cultivate a godly attitude.

                                                              i.      God designed us to change from the inside out.

                                                            ii.      If we cultivate a daily, reverent awareness of God, holy conduct will follow.

d.      We cannot please God unless we first walk with Him.

6.      Every aspect of our lives must be governed by the will and rule of God.

a.       We strive to do all in the name and for the glory of the Lord. (Colossians 3:17; 1Corinthians 10:31)

b.      We will discipline our eyes and mind to dwell on things conducive to holiness. (Philippians 4:8)

c.       If we are truly devoted to God, these restrictions are not burdensome, they are blessed. (1John 5:3)

7.      Righteous character cannot exist without a foundation of godliness.

a.       Reverent awareness of and devotion to God is the bedrock of true, spiritual living.

                                                              i.      Godliness is what separates the moral and upright from the righteous and accepted by God.

                                                            ii.      The God-toward attitude must be our motivation for living and seeking the image of Christ.

b.      What is the difference between being moral and being spiritual?

                                                              i.      Why was Joseph unwilling to commit fornication with Potiphar’s wife? (Genesis 39:7-12)

                                                            ii.      What distinguishes the moral decisions of a spiritual man from those of a secularist?

1.      One may be moral without the proper attitude of heart.

2.      But true devotion to God will always result in righteous character.

c.       If godliness is not the cornerstone of our spiritual life, we are merely observing rules.

                                                              i.      Such “Christian living” may easily degenerate into legalism. (Luke 18:9; Philippians 3:7-14)

                                                            ii.      Conversely, this lack of regard for God may lead to contempt for the limits of His word.
(Hebrews 2:1-4; 2Timothy 1:13; 2John 9-11)

8.      What is godliness?

a.       Godliness is the reverent awareness of and devotion to God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him.

b.      Godliness involves a purpose of heart and discipline of life that focuses itself on honoring God.

c.       Godly people live like Enoch.

                                                              i.      They walk with God.

                                                            ii.      They do those things that are pleasing to God.

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