Godliness

[shortlady]

Godliness

In Romans 12, we find specific advice to those seeking to walk by the Spirit. "Offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God... be transformed by the renewing of your mind... hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love... keep your spiritual fervor... be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer... do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Do you recognize these practical guidelines for those seeking to live in freedom from the bondage of sin and death? Well guess what? These goals are tough to achieve on a consistent basis. We have all had our share of failures when it comes to living an effective, productive Christian life. Don't despair though, God has shown us a process that will ensure our success as disciples. Now I know right away that many reading this are thinking somewhat skeptical as to some new "formula" for success as a Christian.

Notice though, that God's inspired, infallible Word says in 2 Pet 1:10-11, "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." So, the $100,000 question is, "What are these things?" I want to know, because Scripture teaches that if I do these things, I will never fall. Wow, what a goal! Looking back to verses 3-9 we can catch a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father is trying to accomplish in our lives. He is offering us LIFE and GODLINESS. He is giving us PROMISES and His DIVINE NATURE. He is showing us how to ESCAPE this world's CORRUPTION. And the process is... to see that 8 specific qualities are being developed in our character each and every day. I'll leave you with the list to think on this week: 1. Faith 2. Goodness 3. Knowledge 4. Self-control 5. Perseverance 6. Godliness 7. Brotherly kindness 8. Love. God be with you all...

 

[jiggyfly]

Notice though, that God's inspired, infallible Word says in 2 Pet 1:10-11, "Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." So, the $100,000 question is, "What are these things?" I want to know, because Scripture teaches that if I do these things, I will never fall. Wow, what a goal! Looking back to verses 3-9 we can catch a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father is trying to accomplish in our lives. He is offering us LIFE and GODLINESS. He is giving us PROMISES and His DIVINE NATURE. He is showing us how to ESCAPE this world's CORRUPTION. And the process is... to see that 8 specific qualities are being developed in our character each and every day. I'll leave you with the list to think on this week: 1. Faith 2. Goodness 3. Knowledge 4. Self-control 5. Perseverance 6. Godliness 7. Brotherly kindness 8. Love. God be with you all...

Great post Shortlady, I would like to add something more to it. In Galatians 5:22 & 23 Paul tells us what the fruits or evidence of a life that is submitted to or led by the Holy Spirit. But in verses 24-26, Paul goes on to say this; "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are now living by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or irritate one another or be jealous of one another."

It doesn't do much good to try and live a Godly without dying to self first, Paul said "I die daily" and so must we my friends if we are to live the life in Christ that God has called us to.

 

[Chad]

Excellent devotional sister thank you for posting this. This is perfect timing for me as I personally struggle in my walk with the Lord due to my spiritual laziness and spending more time in the worldly sense, not "bad things" but just giving the less important things more time than to GOD. I appreciate this post greatly.

Jiggy, excellent addition of Scripture as well! I love that..nail the sinful desirs to the Cross! That is bold and beautiful and I need to do just that myself.

God bless you both