Christian Growth Lesson 18

Lesson Eighteen:

Add To Your Faith Godliness Part I

Scripture Lesson: II Peter 1:5-7

II Peter 1:5-7 ,

2 Peter 1:5–7 KJV 1900

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

“Your life as a Christian should make nonbelievers question their disbelief in God.”“Godliness” means “a proper response to the things of God, which produces obedience and righteous living.”

Godliness is more than just a state of mind –it is a way of life that honors God in action and attitude.Godliness is living a fruitful, obedient Christian life.

Godliness as A Two-Prong Trait:

1. The INSIDE-OUT attitude of always thinking of God and with God.

You are spiritually minded.

Romans 8:6-8,

Romans 8:6–8 (KJV 1900)

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

2. The OUTSIDE-IN activity that is forever on a divine mission to be well-pleasing to God.

Colossian 3:17,

What Does A Godly Person Look Like?

1 Timothy 2:9

1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV 1900)

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

1 Timothy 2:9 (KJV 1900)

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

Acts 10:1-2

Acts 10:1–2 (KJV 1900)

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

Godliness is what you are on the outside and the inside.

II CHRONICLES 14:1-5

2 Chronicles 14:1–5 (KJV 1900)

1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God:

3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:

4 And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.

5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

The Life Of King As aII Chronicles 14:1-5, Abijah rested with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David.

Then Asa his son reigned in his place.

In his days, the land was quiet for ten years.

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God,for he removed the altars of the foreign gods and the high places and broke down the sacred pillars and cut down the wooden images.

He commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.

He also removed the high places and the incense altars from all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him.

And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest; he had no war in those years, because the LORD had given him rest.

Therefore, he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them,and towers, gates, and bars,while the land is yet before us, because we have sought the LORD our God; we have sought Him,and He has given us rest on every side.”

So, they built and prospered.

And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand from Judah who carried shields and spears, and from Benjamin two hundred and eighty thousand men who carried shields and drew bows; all these were mighty men of valor.

1. Seek to Live a Life that Pleases God.

II Chronicles 14:1-2

2 Chronicles 14:1–2 (KJV 1900)

1 So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Asa his son reigned in his stead. In his days the land was quiet ten years.

2 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God:

Three Aspect of King Asa’s Godly Life:

1. Asa was a Man who Pleased God

2. Asa was a King Devoted to God.

3. Asa came from a Great Heritage and Exercised Godly Discipline.

“The world only sees what you do.

God sees why you do it.

2. Remove any Barriers to Godly Living.

II Chronicles 14:3-5

2 Chronicles 14:3–5 (KJV 1900)

3 For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:

4 And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.

5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

Before we can remove things around us, we must be sure that God is moving things around in us.

One of the keys to pursuing godliness is to remove the people, places, or things that would “so easily beset” us.

3. Guard Against Temptations and Spiritual Attacks

II Chronicles 14:6-8

2 Chronicles 14:6–8 (KJV 1900)

6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest.

7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

8 And Asa had an army of men that bare targets and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore thousand: all these were mighty men of valour.

Worship, Prayer and Studying the Word always places the believer in the middle of Spiritual Warfare.

We must set guard against all temptations and attacks of the enemy by putting on the whole armor of God so that we can stand and survive whatever comes our way.

“Free cheese is always available in mouse traps.”

Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory.

Godliness In The New Testament I Timothy 2:8-10,

1 Timothy 2:8–10 (KJV 1900)

8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

I Peter 3:3-4,

1 Peter 3:3–4 KJV 1900

3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

The English word “adorn” translates the Greek word kosmeo from which we get our word “cosmetic.”

It means, “to arrange, to put in order, make ready, to ornament.”

Godliness is devotion to God expressed in a life that is pleasing to Him.

Jesus is Our Example of Godliness as a Human.

II Peter 1:3,

2 Peter 1:3 KJV 1900

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

“Let God have your life.

He can do more with it than you can.

”Three Observers of Godliness:

1. The “Fashion Police”—the ones who oppose Christ and the Gospel, looking for an excuse not to believe.

2. The “Shoppers”—are those whose hearts are open to God.

3. For Anyone Watching –Let’s not dishonor God’s Word.

“Your greatest message will be spoken by your life not your lips.”

“The most powerful testimony is a Godly life.

”Bible Study Follow Up Chat

1. What are some tangible and measurable ways you will be working to consistently walk-in godliness?

2. What are some things that you know you need to remove out of your life that are preventing you from pleasing God?

3. What are some weaknesses and temptations that you need to clearly identify and begin to fortify your life with the needed spiritual disciplines?

4. If someone followed you around a week, what would your habits and attitudes tell them about your walk with God? Are there activities that need to be cut from your routine?

5. The best evidence of godliness is not the monk who lives in the monastery secluded from people. It is the person who lives a godly life amid crying children, busy schedules, foul-mouthed workers, and rain soaked days by serving other people.

6. Intensity for God is the heartbeat of a godly person.

7. “If you were ever put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”

8. If your life were ever compared to an ungodly and non-believing person, what would distinguish your life from theirs?

9. Where do we face our biggest challenge in living a Godly life?

Add To Your Faith Godliness (How To Train In The Sport Of Godliness)

Part II

Scripture Lesson: II Peter 1:5-7 II Peter 1:5-7 ,

2 Peter 1:5–7 (KJV 1900)

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Armor before iron.

If we haven’t opened our bibles or hit our knees, then lifting waits.

”Scripture Lesson: 1 Timothy 4:6-10 ,

1 Timothy 4:6–10 (KJV 1900)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

(1 Timothy 3:16, )Jesus is the Essence and Wellspring of Godliness.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV 1900)

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

”(II Timothy 3:5, )

2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

(II Peter 1:3, )

2 Peter 1:3 (KJV 1900)

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Five Practices To Train In Godliness:

1. INGESTION (What goes inside of you).

I Timothy 4:6-7

1 Timothy 4:6–7 (KJV 1900)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

I Timothy 4:6-7

1 Timothy 4:6–7 (KJV 1900)

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

I Corinthians 3:2,

1 Corinthians 3:2 (KJV 1900)

2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Hebrews 5:12-14,

Hebrews 5:12–14 (KJV 1900)

12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

John 4:32,

John 4:32 (KJV 1900)

32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.

II Timothy 4:3,

2 Timothy 4:3 (KJV 1900)

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2. PERSPIRATION (The manner of your training).

I Timothy 4:7 The word to “train” comes from the word “gymnazo”, where we get our modern word gymnasium. But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senseshave been trainedto distinguish between good and evil.”

1 Timothy 4:7 (KJV 1900)

7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

(Hebrews 5:14)

Hebrews 5:14 KJV 1900

14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

(Hebrews 12:11)

Hebrews 12:11 (KJV 1900)

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

(II Peter 2:14)

2 Peter 2:14 (KJV 1900)

14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

(Philippians 2:12)I must perspire to aspire.

Philippians 2:12 (KJV 1900)

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

3. REPETITION (The measure of your training, or how often you train).

1 Timothy 4:8

1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV 1900)

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

(1 Timothy 4:8)Godliness is not passive but active.

1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV 1900)

8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

4. PREPARATION The meaning of the training for the Christian, or why the Christian trains.

(1 Timothy 4:9)

1 Timothy 4:9 KJV 1900

9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

5. EXPECTATION The motivation behind the training.

( I Timothy 4:10)

1 Timothy 4:10 (KJV 1900)

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Three Ways In Which We Are To Exercise Ourselves Privately:

1.By Entering The Secret Place Of Prayer.

Mark 1:35,

Mark 1:35 (KJV 1900)

35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.

Matthew 6:6,

Matthew 6:6 (KJV 1900)

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

Psalm 4:4, Meditate within your heart on your bed and be still.

Psalm 4:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

Luke 10:39,

Luke 10:39 (KJV 1900)

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

2. By The Devotional Reading Of God’s Word.

Psalm 85:8,

Psalm 85:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly.

Psalm 119:18,

Psalm 119:18 (KJV 1900)

18 Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

3. By Practicing The Presence Of God.

John 15:4,

John 15:4 (KJV 1900)

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

Intentional Integration “Practicing God’s presence is not about emphasizing the spiritual over the material or the sacred over the secular.

Instead, it is about integrating the two realms and living as amphibious beings living in both eternity and time.

”Ways In Which We Are To Exercise Ourselves Corporately:

▪By Attending Public Worship (Hebrews 10:25).

Hebrews 10:25 KJV 1900

25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

▪By Partnering Up (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

Ecclesiastes 4:9 KJV 1900

9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

▪By Engaging In Specific Service(Ephesians 2:810).To Exercise Ourselves Regularly And Sufficiently Three Things Are Necessary:

▪A Holy Resolve

▪A Willing Sacrifice

▪A Continual Discipline “One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is time alone with God.

”Bible Study Follow up Chat:

1. What are some examples of good spiritual nutrition?

2. What kills spiritual fitness?

3. How do you train yourself for godliness?

4. How is your devotional life?

What does it consist of? Is it enough to help you get spiritually fit and keep you fit?

5. What am I disciplining myself to do that is hard for me to do?

6. In what ways do we excuse ourselves from the difficult tasks of training in godliness?

7. Does the way we spend our time promote godliness -spending time with God and His Word each day?

8. We all have a schedule -question is does that schedule train us to be godly?