Godliness

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Godliness

In pagan literature, godliness (Gk. eusebeia, eulabeia and related terms) meant showing proper caution, fear or reverence towards the gods. Such piety involved the offering of sacrifices and other cultic activities. It also meant honouring the gods by respecting elders, masters, rulers, and all the orders of life thought to be under the protection of the gods. When this terminology was used in the Bible, a different notion of fear or respect was intended. The one true God, as creator and redeemer, requires an active obedience to his revealed will and a personal devotion that surpasses lip-service, mere trepidation, or bare admiration

Godliness Explained

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Godliness

In pagan literature, godliness (Gk. eusebeia, eulabeia and related terms) meant showing proper caution, fear or reverence towards the gods. Such piety involved the offering of sacrifices and other cultic activities. It also meant honouring the gods by respecting elders, masters, rulers, and all the orders of life thought to be under the protection of the gods. When this terminology was used in the Bible, a different notion of fear or respect was intended. The one true God, as creator and redeemer, requires an active obedience to his revealed will and a personal devotion that surpasses lip-service, mere trepidation, or bare admiration (e.g. Pr. 1:7; Is. 11:2; 33:6; Lk. 2:25; Acts 10:2; 22:12).

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Godliness

Ungodliness (Gk. asebeia) brings the wrath of God, because it involves suppressing the truth about God, worshipping created things rather than the Creator, and pursuing unrighteous relationships and behaviour (Rom. 1:18–25; 1 Tim. 1:9–11).

The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition Godliness

It is a condition from which we can only be rescued by trusting ‘him who justifies the ungodly’ (Rom. 4:5; cf. 5:6; Tit. 2:11–14).

The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament 2150. εὐσέβεια eusébeia

The word eusébeia literally means well–directed reverence, but does not imply an inward, inherent holiness. It is actually an externalized piety.

Godliness does not equal righteousness

Righteousness is internal, Godliness is external

Righteousness is imputed by God through faith in Jesus Christ

Godliness is the demonstration of a good and worshipful attitude toward God.

Godliness is a life that is acceptable to Christ, indicating the proper attitude of the believer toward Christ who saved him.

1 Timothy 4:7 NASB95

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

1 Timothy 4:7

2 Peter 1:3 NASB95

seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Godliness Expressed

Godliness in attitude

Philippians 2:5–7 NASB95

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

1 Thessalonians 5:16–22 NASB95

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16

Faithful attitude

Surrendered Attitude

Patient Attitude

Godliness in manner of behavior

1 Timothy 4:7 NASB95

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

2 Peter 1:3 NASB95

seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

1 Peter 1:3 NASB95

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Timothy 4:7 NASB95

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

2 Peter 1:3

Godliness Expected

2 Peter 3:10–14 NASB95

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,

2 Peter 3:10-14

Godliness is the correct response to God’s action in the believer’s life.

2 Peter 3:11 NASB95

Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

Godliness and a life that glorifies God are inseparably linked.

Godliness and a life that glorifies God are inseparably linked.