“Living In Godliness”

Richard Thetford

In 1 Timothy 4:8 it says: “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.” From this verse we can learn that it is godliness that is the most profitable for us because it is through godliness that we have the promise of eternal life. Therefore knowing this, we should strive diligently to ensure that we are doing everything we can to live our lives in a godly manner which is formal (2 Tim 3:5) and true (1 Tim 6:3,11).

Finding True Godliness

We can find true godliness only in the gospel. In 2 Peter 1:4, Peter writes: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” When we open the pages of the New Testament we find what God expects of each of us as we journey through this life. He fully expects that we live our life in accordance with His will (Matt 7:21). When we are determined to live godly then it will show in our daily walk, which everyone in the world will be able to see (Tit 2:12).

Why Live Godly?

There are several reasons why we must strive to live a godly life. The Bible teaches that ungodliness is condemned (Jude 4:15). When we live an ungodly life, we will NOT get the opportunity to live forever with God. We need to live a righteous life because it is profitable (1 Tim 4:8), and commanded (2 Pet 1:6). We can live godly by denying sin (Tit 2:12), professing our faith before others (1 Tim 2:10), and by practicing living a Christian life daily (1 Tim 4:7)

The Results of Living Godly

First of all, when we live a godly life, doing all of God’s will, be ready to suffer some persecution. Paul told Timothy: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Understanding that this will happen, we should gain strength through His Word because godliness will result in great gain (1 Tim 6:6), and the promise of eternal life (1 Tim 4:8). Are you living your life in such a way that it “professes godliness?”