by Roby Ellis
[Scripture Reading: 2 Peter 3:18]
Introduction
A. Because we know that this world is doomed to destruction, we ought to be careful to live holy and godly lives (2 Peter 3:10-11).
B. One who is godly is one who seeks to please God by humbly submitting to His every command with all due reverence.
I. Godliness in outward appearance alone is worthless.
A. Our own godliness is ineffective (Isaiah 64:5-6; Acts 3:12).
B. There are many who appear godly, but are not in the eyes of God (2 Timothy 3:5; Matthew 15:8-9; Acts 13:50; 17:22-23; 19:27).
C. We have portraits of true godliness in individuals like Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8) and Lydia (16:13-15).
II. Christ makes true godliness an attainable goal.
A. Christ came to the Earth to die for the ungodly (Romans 4:5; 5:6-8; 11:26-27).
B. He has given us all things that pertain to godliness (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
C. He has given us instructions on how to add godliness to our character (1 Timothy 4:6-8; 6:11).
Conclusion
A. One who practices godliness is one who shuns what is false and upholds what is right (2 Timothy 2:16; Titus 1:1; 1 Timothy 6:3-4).
B. Whereas some look at godliness as a means for getting gain, Paul says that godliness with contentment is gain in and of itself (1 Timothy 6:5-11).
C. In many ways godliness is one of the great mysteries of the Gospel (1 Timothy 3:16) and evidence of God’s extraordinary power.