Godliness That Brings Great Gain

GODLINESS THAT BRINGS GREAT GAIN

READING: II Peter 3:10-14

INTRO:The reading reminds us that we are living between the 1st and 2nd comings of Jesus and that the end

will come. For this to be a “good” end, we would long for it and must live a certain way. Words that describe that “way” are holy, godly, spotless, blameless, and at peace [with God]. Of course, people who live like that can “look forward to the day of God and speed its coming”.

                   We wish to speak about godliness.

I.    GODLINESS IS:

      A.   In Pagan Literature- fear or reverence towards the gods and offering sacrifices to them. In addition, it meant honoring the gods by respecting elders, masters, rulers, thought to be protected by gods.

      B.   In the Bible- Active obedience to the ONE God, as creator & redeemer which surpasses lip-service and trepidation or admiration.

            1.   Godliness describes a “cut above” religion.

                   a.   Psa. 4:3- “God has set apart the godly for himself”

                   b.   Mal. 2:15- God desires “godly offspring”

            2.   Godliness is a “mystery” at one level

                   a.   I Tim.3:16-(see this as chiestic poetry)

                   b.   But see the connection- 4:1-8

II.   GODLINESS DOES:

      A.   Separates People From People

            1.   First, from the Ungodly

                   a.   Jesus died for the Ungodly(Rom. 5:6)

                   b.   God justifies the Ungodly(Rom. 4:5)

                   c.   Rom. 1-3 say most are Ungodly

                   d.   Are you now a new creature?

            2.   Secondly, from other Christians

                   a.   Titus 2:11-14- a certain way to live.

                   b.   ILLUST:     How He Lived

            3.   Even from one’s family

                   a.   Matt. 16:24 & 10:34-37- challenging!

                   b.   But don’t stop. ILLUST: Aunt Sarah

                   c.   Tell of the good godly influence of Harry Sr.

            4.   It becomes your responsibility to be godly

      B.   Helps Us Remember Where We Came From

            1.   II Pet. 1:5-8

            2.   Are you “godly” yet?

      C.  Gives Us Balance While Living In The World

            1.   I Tim. 4:7,8-7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

            2.   No one would disagree that life is hard.

            3.   The media, peers, family call us to be Ungodly

            4.   Godliness in practice says “No” and then “Yes”

                   a.   3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus

Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction

CONCLUSION

There is the possible danger of “being so heavenly minded we are no earthly good”, but that is not our largest worry.

Let’s be people who ooze God. Who speak of the H.S. in our present lives, who refuse to do things we know God hates. Let us also remember where we came from and how we got here. Be godly. Be godlike.

 ILLUSTRATIONS USED IN THIS LESSON

How He Lived

Not, how did he die?

But, how did he live?

Not, what did he gain?

But, what did he give?

These are the merits

To measure the worth

Of a man as man,

Regardless of birth.

Not, what was his station?

But, had he a heart?

And how did he play

His God-given part?

Was he ever ready

With word of good cheer

To bring a smile,

To banish a tear?

Not what was his church?

Nor, what was his creed?

But had he befriended

Those really in need?

Not, what did the sketch

In the newspaper say?

But, how many were sorry

When he passed away?

Ingersoll’s Aunt Sarah

Many a man or woman has borne eloquent witness to his Christian faith by a quiet , inconspicuous, consecrated life. Aunt Sarah was a relative of Robert Ingersoll(the famous sceptic). She was a devout Bible student and a beautiful Christian.

One day she received by mail a package that contained a copy of on of R.G. Ingersoll’s book, and attack on the Bible. On the flyleaf was written these words over Ingersoll’s signature: “If all Christians had lived like Aunt Sarah, perhaps this book would never have been written.” The indisputable fact of a consistent godly life was more disquieting to the great infidel’s unbelief than anything else.

Our great problem of trafficking in unlived truth is very costly. We try to communicate what we have not experienced.