Pleasing God without Lip-Service
Growing in the Knowledge of Jesus • Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 6 viewsNotes
Transcript
Review
Review
So, let’s take a quick look at what we’ve talked about until now, because we’ve been at this a while. Our series focuses on the development of eight graces, in conjunction with each other, remember that each of these graces are interdependent and as we add one to the other, a synergistic phenomenon occurs and they each get better and richer. We are to develop these graces with all diligence, and in the end we gradually produce a Christ-like character.
We discussed that there are manifold reasons to growing in the graces, among which are that grace and peace are multiplied in this knowledge. The passage informs us that all things pertaining to life and godliness are provided through this knowledge. We are able to avoid spiritual shortsightedness and spiritual amnesia if we have obtained this knowledge. We will never stumble if we abound in this knowledge and finally, an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be ours!
So far we’ve learned that the development of a Christ-like character:
Begins with the foundation of faith (conviction and trust)
To which we add the quality of virtue (striving for excellence)
Manifested by increasing in knowledge (regarding God's will)
To which we add the grace of self-control (mastering one's desires and passions)
Along with the perseverance to bear up trials and temptations
So let’s get back to our text and find out what we will add this week.
But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The grace that we add this week is godliness. Which has been added to our grace from last week: perseverance. As we’ve noted in previous lessons, this is a very logical connection.
So let’s take a look at how godliness fits in to this passage as we discuss
Pleasing God without Lip-Service
Pleasing God without Lip-Service
As we’ve done in all of our previous lessons in this series we start out by looking at ...
THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
The Greek
The Greek
εὐσέβεια
{eusebeia}
“pety or godliness”
Vine describes it as denoting:
“That piety which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him”
Blah, blah, blah, that sounds good and well, but what does it mean? Knowing that Greek is an ancient language, and knowing that Peter was writing to Greek people, we need to look at how eusebeia was used in the writings of antiquity. In ancient Greek literature the word meant “showing proper caution, fear or reverence toward the gods.” This type of fear usually involved some sort of sacrifice or other ritual that honored the gods, and even in some cases showed a deference to their elders or rulers, or anyone else who was thought to be under the protection of the gods. When this word was used in the context of Christians then, it was similarly meant to evoke a sense of deep reverence and fear - though not the same kind of fear as with pagan religions, rather the true fear and respect that is due to the one true God, Creator of heaven and Earth, redeemer of mankind. This is the type of reverence or fear that requires active obedience to his revealed will, and a true devotion. In other words, it requires living your life out in a way that pleases God - no lip service.
Beware Hypocrisy
Beware Hypocrisy
There is pious conduct or godliness that is hypocritical. Paul warns Timothy about it:
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
This is the type of piety that is displayed by those who are “lovers of pleasure” rather than “lovers of God”. It is a piety or godliness that is just a mask - a facade done only to be seen by others, to impress them, for the purpose of self-glorification.
These are the types about whom Jesus also warned.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
True godliness is characterized by seeking to be seen and approved by God, not man. It is marked by a devotion to the will of God, and a desire to please only Him.
Unless we have this God-centered godliness, any act of piety is simply hypocrisy.
Connected with Perseverance
Connected with Perseverance
If you recall, perseverance or hypomone means bearing up under trials and is commendable, if done for the right reason.
Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the harsh. For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.
So then, today we learn that the right reason to persevere is godliness! Persevering out of a desire to please God not to please man or ourselves.
Therefore, it is essential that we add godliness to perseverance, or we will be bearing up under trials for all the wrong reasons!
The Demand for Godliness
The Demand for Godliness
Necessary to Be a Disciple of Christ
Necessary to Be a Disciple of Christ
Remember that eusebeia is pious conduct done with a desire to please God. Jesus modeled this for us by demonstrating His desire to please His heavenly Father
And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
If we are to be Jesus' disciples, we must seek to please God, not men
For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
The purpose of the apostles' teaching was that the disciples might please God.
Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
But remember, unless it is for the purpose of pleasing God, all our piety is in vain!
Profitable for All Things
Profitable for All Things
Paul wrote that godliness was profitable for all things -
But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
It is profitable for the life that is now.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
And also profitable for the life to come.
who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.
But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
Peter wrote of how it was beneficial in view of the things to come.
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons 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 dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
The universe, the earth, and all its works will be destroyed so we should focus on holy conduct and godliness, because this is all that matters in the new heaven and the new earth. Godliness is the only true wealth worth striving for!
A Source for Power
A Source for Power
Paul warned about those with a form of godliness, but denying its power.
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Implied in this passage is that there is true godliness, and that true godliness contains “power”. Indeed we know that if our conduct pleases God, He empowers us!
He works in us as we strive to do His will -
Therefore, my beloved, as you 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; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
He strengthens us by His Spirit in the inner man.
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
And it is a power beyond comprehension.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
It is this power that enables us to stand strong in the strength of His might .
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Do you desire power from God in our daily living? Then you’ll need godliness!
But how do we go about “adding” godliness to our life?
The Development of Godliness
The Development of Godliness
It Requires Exercise
It Requires Exercise
I remember when I came out of anesthesia, all I wanted was my strawberry Ensure, and to have family near by. I had no intention of getting up and doing a long hike like I had been doing prior to being hospitalized, yet all the mean nurses - my wife included, wanted me to get up and start walking around- they had me doing exercises. developing eusebeia is no different. Look at the counsel Paul gave Timothy.
But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
Just as physical exercise provides benefit for healthy living, even more so, spiritual exercise provides benefit for godly living. So this is the type of spiritual exercise we need:
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
So let’s break it down. What are Paul’s instructions?
Set a good example for others.
Give attention to reading (esp. the Word of God), exhortation, doctrine
Make good use of your abilities and opportunities
If we focus our efforts on these things, our progress will be evident.
As Peter would say, it requires “giving all diligence"
It Requires Abstinence
It Requires Abstinence
Abstinence from disputes and arguments over words.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,
Abstinence from men who wrangle over words.
useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
Abstinence from materialism and the love of money.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Yes, we must flee these things, all the while pursuing godliness!
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
Let’s round this of by talking about...
The Display of Godliness
The Display of Godliness
How should it look? What must we be aware of?
We Must Guard Our Motives
We Must Guard Our Motives
Many people are pious, having a form of godliness, but for the wrong reason. They view it as a means of gain.
useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
For some, it’s a way to get wealthy, for others, to get healthy, for others, to get popularity or even ministry. But there is only one proper motive for pious conduct - to please God! And there is only one motive that pleases God - to glorify Him!
We Must Not Deny Its Power
We Must Not Deny Its Power
Some have a form of godliness, but deny its power.
having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
They think that they can do it on their own, they do not acknowledge the need for God's help. As we seek to be godly, we must acknowledge God's help.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
By His grace we can become what He wants us to be, and by His Spirit we can become godly.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
What degree of true godliness we may attain, is possible only with God's help!
What It All Means
What It All Means
It is God's desire that we live godly lives, and for this end we are told to pray:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
It is our desire to please Him that sanctifies our conduct. Making our efforts holy conduct, rather than self-righteous acts done to earn salvation, impress others, or some other personal gain. Can we see why we must add godliness as we seek to grow in the knowledge of Christ?
As we strive for excellence (virtue), as we increase in knowledge, as we display self-control, as we bear up under trials (perseverance), it is godliness (pious conduct seeking to please God) that ensures that our efforts will not be for the wrong reasons.
May we therefore add godliness to perseverance as we seek to grow in both grace and knowledge while waiting for our Lord's return:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,