GODLINESS
GODLINESS
Godliness is different from worldliness. Godliness has to be spiritually acquired and defended. It is only attainable through a strong desire to please God. While Godliness is not natural or automatic, worldliness is by default, human nature. Godliness is a spiritual virtue and divinely imparted at salvation and needs regular maintenance.
1. Explain what godliness means to you.
Like God - Godly (How will God handle it, compliant to righteousness)
Devoted to God - Righteousness
Pleasing God - thoughts, actions, desires,
1 Timothy 4:8 : “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 6:6 : “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Titus 2:11–12 : “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.”
Psalm 112:1 : “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.”
James 1:27 : “Pure religion and undefiled before God… is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
“Godliness is not mere external religion, but a heart and life that honor God.”
“It is the practical expression of reverence for God in all things: speech, thought, and deed.”
“Godliness is living in harmony with God’s nature and commandments.”
“It is not merely outward observance, but the inward disposition of the soul to please God.”
“Godliness is faith active in life; it is devotion that shows itself in action.”
“It is not enough to pray and worship; godliness shows in how one walks, works, and speaks daily.”
“Godliness without sincerity is hypocrisy; sincerity without godliness is useless.”
“Godliness is not what we profess, but what we practice under the eye of God.”
“A godly life is free from covetousness, worldly lusts, and discontent; it finds satisfaction in God alone.”
“The godly man fears God, delights in His Word, and rests in His provision, knowing that all else is temporary.”
“Godliness is not static; it grows through discipline, humility, and dependence on God.”
“He who neglects daily devotion cannot develop godliness; it is a garden that must be watered continually by the Spirit of God.”
“Godliness is the architecture of the soul built upon the foundation of God’s truth.”
“The man who fears God in secret and obeys Him openly is truly godly.”
“Godliness is devotion in action; holiness in daily practice.”
“Without godliness, faith becomes dead and ritual meaningless.”
“Godliness is the reflection of God’s character in human conduct.”
“Godliness is not a habit, but a lifestyle; not a set of rules, but a heart in communion with God, expressing His character in every act.”
Godliness?
Controlled desires (Human senses)
Priority: (Recreation, Finances, Time, Relationship, Vocation, Body, Fashion...)
Right conduct — walking uprightly, speaking truthfully, avoiding sin.
Faith expressed in action — practical obedience and mercy.
Contentment and self-control — resisting worldly lusts.
Growth through discipline — prayer, study, and obedience.
Rewarded by God — in provision, protection, and eternal life.
Holiness: Separateness from sin (Leviticus 11:44)
Righteousness: Doing what is just and right (Psalm 15:2)
Mercy and love: Acting with compassion (Micah 6:8)
Truthfulness: Speaking and living in integrity (Ephesians 4:25)
Pursue godliness through disciplined growth and training:
Godliness is something you develop through intentional practice, not merely a passive belief.
2 Peter 1:5-8 — "And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness..."
Challenge: - Explain what godliness means to you in the context of personal growth. Then commit to one specific spiritual discipline (e.g., daily Bible reading, prayer, fasting, or a quiet time) for 21 days. Reflect in writing on how this practice shapes your character and actions.
Meaningful godliness expresses itself in humility and sacrificial love toward others, not in status or show.
Philippians 2:3-4 — "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Challenge: - Identify one person or group to serve this week. Write a brief plan detailing how you will serve them with humility (time, resources, listening, acts of kindness). Afterward, reflect on how this service demonstrated godliness in your heart and behavior.
Conscience void of offense (To God and man)
Prayer - All prayer
Merciful and pure religion
Widom from above (not manipulative wisdom)
Holy conversation (Thoughts, words and actions)
Proverbs 9:10 : “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”
1 Peter 1:17 : “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.”
1 Timothy 2:2–3 : “…that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Titus 2:11–12 : “…denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.”
1 John 3:18 : “Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”
Proverbs 10:9 : “He that walketh uprightly walketh surely.”
1 Timothy 4:7–8 : “Exercise thyself rather unto godliness… for bodily exercise profiteth little, but godliness is profitable unto all things.”
Colossians 4:2 : “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 1:1–2 : “But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
“The beginning of godliness is the fear of the Lord; a soul that trembles before God will walk uprightly.”
“True godliness is not self-centered; it reaches out in mercy, love, and justice for the oppressed, the poor, and the needy.”
“A godly person’s speech, actions, and motives are transparent; deception finds no home in a heart governed by God.”
“Godliness cannot exist without self-discipline; the soul devoted to God learns to govern the flesh.”
“The truly godly are humble, acknowledging that every breath and every gift is from God, not self-earned.”
“Godliness without prayer is dead; communion with God nourishes the soul and guides conduct.”
“Measure your life by obedience to God, by love to others, and by holiness in every action.” — Charles Spurgeon
“True godliness is both inward reverence and outward righteousness.” —
“Godliness shows itself in daily choices; if the soul delights in God’s Word, fears His judgment, and loves His will, it is godly.”
“The fruit of godliness is evident in humility, integrity, and steadfast faith.”
The scripture is our manual
All scriptures - criteria for godliness
Benchmark - The Word of God is the mirror we need
A conscience void of offence toward God and men:
Live with consistent integrity; avoid actions or compromises that would grieve God or harm others.
Audit a recent decision or habit to see if it could later offend God or harm someone. If so, address it openly and make amends where needed.
Challenge: - Identify one area where your conscience may be strained (work, finances, relationships). Write a brief plan to rectify it (confession, restitution, adjusting behavior). Share a progress note with a trusted accountability partner at the end of the week.
Ephesians 6:18 — "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
A godly life includes ongoing prayer, spiritual warfare awareness, and intercession for others, not just private devotion.
Set aside regular times for prayer focused on personal needs and on others (families, church leaders, persecuted believers, the needy).
James 1:27 — "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world."
Godliness includes compassionate action toward those in need and deliberate avoidance of worldly compromises that stain conscience.
Look for an immediate way to support someone vulnerable (elderly neighbor, foster sibling, single-parent family, a child in need). Protect your life from patterns that invite compromise (media, habits, peer pressure).
Challenge: - Pick one vulnerable person or group to serve this week. Plan a concrete act (a visit, a meal, a listening ear, a resource). Reflect in a journal entry how this act mirrored God’s care and what you learned about keeping yourself unstained.
2 Peter 3:11 — "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?"
Live with the expectation that this world is not the final stage; holiness and godliness matter in every moment.
Normalize living with integrity, generosity, and purity as a daily habit, not only when you’re under scrutiny.
Challenge: - Draft a personal “holiness snapshot”, list daily actions that demonstrate godliness (gentle speech, timely generosity, prayerful decisions, honest work). Review what changed in your relationships and inner life, and adjust the snapshot for continued growth.
Ruth and Opah
Mary and Martha
Judas and Zacchaeus
Matthew 6:19–21 : “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Matthew 6:24 : “No man can serve two masters…Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
Luke 12:15 : “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
“The godly man sets his heart on things above; the worldly man sets his heart on things beneath. One seeks God’s glory, the other seeks his own gain.”
“The godly man’s heart is captivated by God; earthly wealth and comfort are secondary, not ultimate.”
“A spiritual mind measures success by faithfulness, not by fortune.”
“The worldly man is enslaved to the desires of the flesh; his treasures perish, and his soul is empty.”
“The man who seeks only what the world offers will never find peace; his heart is tied to shadows, not the substance of God.”
“A godly man invests his heart in heavenly things; a worldly man invests in earthly things. Their actions reveal their true master.”
“Worldly men chase what they cannot keep; godly men labor for what they cannot lose.”
“Godliness is concerned with the soul; worldliness is concerned with the body and possessions.”
“Worldly men live for a day; godly men live for eternity.”
“The godly man sets his heart on things that matter in God’s kingdom; the worldly man sets his heart on things that perish.”
“You can tell a man’s true master by what he cannot live without: God or the world.”
“A man’s true nature is revealed by what he values most. A godly man invests in God’s kingdom; a worldly man invests in the world’s illusion.”
Identify defines the man (worldly or godly)
Character defines, without further evidence needed
Your priority and pursuit define your concerns and values
Worldly pursue worldliness
Godly pursue godliness
Values obedience over wealth (1 Samuel 15:22)
Measures success by righteousness, not possessions (Psalm 37:16–17)
Desires eternal life more than temporal gain (Mark 8:36–37)
Seeks God’s will and presence (Psalm 27:4)
Values prayer, Scripture, and obedience (Psalm 1:2–3)
Lives for eternal reward (1 Timothy 6:6–8)
Prioritizes worship over entertainment
Uses wealth and influence to bless others
Obsession with possessions or social standing
Little concern for God’s commands or eternity
Quick to compromise integrity for gain
Values possessions over obedience
Measures success by power, prestige, or comfort
Seeks immediate gratification, ignoring eternal consequences
Loves wealth, status, and pleasure (1 John 2:15–16)
Neglects spiritual disciplines
Measures life by earthly success (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Prioritize eternal realities over temporary possessions:
Mark 8:36 — "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
1 Timothy 6:17-19 — "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in … uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come…"
Godly: Daniel (exemplifies faithfulness under pressure, prioritizing obedience to God over comfort or safety in the world)
Romans 12:2 — "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."
Godly: Joseph, who refused Potiphar’s wife’s advances and trusted God’s plan, regardless of immediate gain or risk
Challenge: Choose one virtue you want to grow (patience, integrity, self-control, mercy). Create a 21-day habit plan to practice it in small, daily choices, and journal any noticeable changes in your decisions or relationships.
1 Peter 4:10 — "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Luke 12:15 — "And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."
Godly: Esther, Nehemiah (utilized influence and resources for the deliverance and restoration of others)
Challenge: - Create a simple plan to use one resource (time, money, skill) for God and others. Document one concrete act of service or generosity, and reflect on how it felt to invest for God and others’ good rather than for self-satisfaction.
The word - study the Bible
Prayer - regular spiritual communication with God
Fellowship - Physical attendance
Doing good unto others - a heart like God - Done as unto God
(If God can give it through you, He will give it to you)
2 Timothy 3:16–17 : “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Colossians 4:2 : “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 : “Pray without ceasing.”
2 Timothy 2:22 : “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 : “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
1 Corinthians 9:27 : “…I keep my body under, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Hebrews 12:1–2 : “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Philippians 3:17 : “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.”
“Godliness is profitable in all aspects of life—spiritually, morally, emotionally, and socially. Exercise in godliness strengthens the soul far more than bodily training strengthens the body.”
“Where the body needs regular exercise to function well, the soul requires spiritual exercise to grow in grace and godliness.”
“Neglecting spiritual discipline leads to weakness and defeat; exercising ourselves unto godliness brings power and victory over sin.”
“The Word of God is the gymnasium of the soul. By daily reading and meditating on Scripture, we strengthen our spiritual muscles.”
“Prayer is the treadmill of godliness. Without it, the soul weakens and grows sluggish.”
“Exercising oneself unto godliness requires active resistance to sin and pursuit of purity.”
“Godliness is strengthened by discipline and the restraint of the flesh; it grows through consistent effort and holy habits.”
“Exercising oneself unto godliness includes following the examples of Christ and faithful servants of God.”
“Spiritual exercise is the soul’s only way to grow strong in God’s grace.”
“Godliness is not inherited or automatic; it is acquired through intentional, daily effort.”
“Godliness is cultivated, not coincidental. Regular practice, perseverance, and vigilance are required.”
“Just as the athlete trains his body for a crown that fades, the believer exercises the soul for a crown that endures forever. Godliness requires intentional effort, daily discipline, and perseverance under the guidance of the Spirit.”
KEY POINTS:
Fitness - Body exercise needed (we need good health to serve God)
Same proportion of importance, and even more for godliness exercises
Imagine an unfit body and the consequences
Imagine an unfit spiritual status and its consequences
Exercising ourselves unto godliness? - Doer of the word (applications)
Daily Bible reading and meditation
Memorization of key passages
Reflection on application to daily life
Set aside dedicated time daily for prayer
Confess faults and seek God’s guidance
Intercede for others and cultivate dependence on God
Identify and avoid temptations
Purify thoughts, speech, and actions
Cultivate virtues of righteousness, faith, and love
Cultivate spiritual habits (prayer, fasting, study)
Exercise restraint over desires and impulses
Serve God faithfully even when inconvenient
Reinforce self-discipline across all areas of life:
Exercising godliness involves self-control beyond spiritual acts—discipline in time, finances, speech, and habits etc
Set clear boundaries (time management, budgeting, media consumption) that reflect stewardship of God-given resources.
Practice truthful speech, patience, and restraint in conflicts or temptations.
Challenge: - Pick two areas (e.g., time with screens, spending habits) and implement one concrete rule for each (e.g., no phone after a certain hour, a zero-based budget for a week). Log results and adjust as needed.
Class: Aged, young, masters, servants
Godliness is imperative for all ages, levels and areas of our liv3s
Practice godliness - get the relative blessings as at when due and needed
1 Timothy 4:12 : “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 : “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”
Titus 2:4–6 “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children... To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands... Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
“Godliness is not confined to the old or the mature; it is vital for the young, who must form habits of devotion early, and for the aged, who must finish well.”
“From childhood to old age, godliness must govern our thoughts, speech, and actions; it is the thread that binds a lifetime of faithfulness.”
“Every choice, every action, every relationship, must bear the mark of reverence for God; to live otherwise is inconsistent with true godliness.”
“From infants to elders, godliness must govern life. Each age has its expression: innocence, obedience, wisdom, and mentorship. It is the common requirement of all who seek God.”
“Godliness is comprehensive: it governs thoughts, emotions, choices, and relationships, at all times and stages of life.”
“The imperative nature of godliness is that it is the condition for blessing, guidance, and favor in every season and situation.” “Godliness is not optional; it is the command of God for all ages, at all times, and in all spheres of life. It is both our duty and our delight.”
“No season of life excuses neglect of godliness. From the cradle to the grave, we are accountable to live in reverence, obedience, and holiness.”
“The believer must not separate his faith from his work, his family, his business, or his leisure; godliness must flow through every channel of life.”
“Godliness is the measure of a life that is truly aligned with God. It must govern the young, sustain the mature, and guide the old; it must influence speech, work, relationships, and every choice. No one is exempt; no area is irrelevant.”
Instructions - Expected inputs for a certain expected proven output
The word of God is general and relative - general and specific
The word of God is dynamic - beautiful for every situation and ages
Godliness pervades all areas: Thoughts, words, actions, relationships, work, family, and leisure.
Godliness is profitable: It brings blessing, guidance, peace, and eternal reward.
Young: Samuel served God in youth (1 Samuel 3:19–21)
Adults: Daniel maintained godliness under Babylonian influence (Daniel 6:10)
Elders: Moses and Joshua modelled godliness for Israel (Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 24:14)
Align conduct with biblical truth, regardless of audience:
Integrity should stand whether you’re among elders, youth, peers, or authority figures.
Examine whether you adjust your speech or behavior based on who’s watching.
Challenge: - Choose one setting (family, workplace, church) and commit to a week of consistent, biblically aligned conduct. Journal one concrete instance where motive and action aligned (or didn’t) with God’s standard.
Christians are to have divine nature - Imparted and given
Divine nature is an antidote for sinful desires - Defensive & offensive
When we possess divine nature, we escape worldly corruption and eternal damnation
Attributes of divine nature: Holiness, Powerful, Knowledge/Wisdom, aware/involved, Control, righteousness, love, truth, consistent, timeless, unity, grace & goodness, faith,
Romans 12:2 : “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Galatians 5:22–23 : The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance—is evidence of divine influence in the believer.
Ephesians 4:22–24 : “…put off concerning the former conversation the old man…put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
Colossians 3:10 : “…put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”
“By partaking of the divine nature, the believer is lifted above mere humanity and empowered to live a godly, victorious life.”
“To have the divine nature is to be morally renewed, spiritually strengthened, and positioned to bear fruit in holiness and virtue.”
“The divine nature is the moral DNA of the believer; it shapes decisions, disciplines the mind, and sanctifies conduct.”
“Divine nature equips the believer to live righteously, avoid corruption, and pursue virtues that glorify God.”
“To partake of divine nature is to rise above the decay and vanity of the world, to think, act, and desire as God desires.”
“The believer, imbued with divine nature, is empowered to love sacrificially, judge rightly, and live purely, reflecting God’s character in a fallen world.”
“The divine nature is the seed of godliness planted in the soul, producing holiness, wisdom, and eternal fruit.”
“He who partakes of the divine nature is made a new creation, no longer enslaved to worldly lusts.”
“Divine nature is the fountain from which virtues flow; without it, all human effort at godliness is futile.”
“To have the divine nature is to live in harmony with God’s will and reflect His character in every thought and action.”
“It is through participation in God’s nature that believers escape corruption and gain spiritual victory.”
“Divine nature is not optional; it is essential for spiritual maturity, moral victory, and eternal fellowship with God. It equips believers to live holy, virtuous, and God-honoring lives.”
Spiritual DNA properties are automatic for Christians - Spiritual nature
Divine nature - Unnatural - Supernatural
Spiritual/Christian nature separate us from worldly corruptions
It enables believers to escape corruption and sin.
It makes one a partaker of God’s attributes, morally and spiritually.
Transformation: It renews the believer morally, spiritually, and mentally.
Romans 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Cultivate a divine character by growing in godly virtues:
2 Peter 1:5-7 — “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to charity.”
Create a disciplines plan that intentionally builds new virtues and track progress.
Challenge: - Pick some virtues to focus on. For each, write one concrete action you will take daily (e.g., respond with gentleness in a conflict, practice truthful speech in a hard situation, give sacrificially). Journal a brief reflection on how these choices reflected the divine nature.
The divine nature enables you to resist the corruption that comes from lust and worldly desire.
Challenge: - Choose one area to establish a boundary (e.g., media usage, spending, immoral temptation). Set a concrete rule (time limits, filtering, accountability partner) and record any victories or temptations you faced.
Knowledge is not merely head-knowledge; it empowers living in alignment with God’s nature.
Intensify Bible study and prayer to know God more deeply, so your life reflects His character.
Challenge: - Commit to a study plan focusing on a short book (e.g., James or 1 John). Each day, write one verse that stood out and a practical takeaway for how you will live it out that day. Share a weekly takeaway with a friend.
Determining factor:
Pleasing to God?
Displeasing to God?
Psalm 119:105 : “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 : “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
James 4:4 : “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”
Romans 8:5–6 : “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.”
1 John 2:15–16 : “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world…is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
“The ultimate test of whether an action, thought, or desire is godly is whether it aligns with God’s Word. Anything outside its boundaries is worldly or sinful.” —
“Scripture is the plumb line of life. It shows whether our choices are straight before God or crooked according to worldly standards.”
“An action may appear good outwardly, but if the heart seeks self-glory or worldly gain, it is worldly.”
“God looks at the heart. The same action may be godly or worldly depending on why it is done.”
“Anything that weakens the conscience, stirs sinful desires, or quenches the Spirit is worldly. Anything that strengthens love for God and virtue is godly.”
“The godly are guided by the Spirit; the worldly are guided by desire, appetite, and selfish ambition.”
“Godliness brings inner peace even in trials; worldliness may bring pleasure but leaves the soul restless and anxious.”
“Anything that draws the heart from God is worldly; anything that draws the heart to God is godly.”
“Godly discernment examines motive, outcome, Scripture, and eternal value.”
“To discern the godly from the worldly, ask: Does it align with God’s Word? Does it glorify Him? Does it cultivate virtue and peace in the soul? Is it Spirit-led? If yes, it is godly. If no, it is worldly.”
Criterion? - a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Criterion:
Godly things prioritize eternal rewards; worldly things prioritize temporal pleasure, wealth, or status.
Godly actions edify, strengthen faith, and produce fruit of the Spirit; worldly actions lead to spiritual decay.
Examine the motive behind the action. Godly motives are love, obedience, and righteousness; worldly motives are selfish gain, pride, or sensual pleasure.
Godly things submit to God’s will; worldly things gratify fleshly desires.
Godly things produce peace, conviction, and contentment; worldly things may bring guilt, unrest, or compromise.
Motives:
Is the action driven by self-centered gain or by love for God and others?
Before acting, test your motive: Are you seeking personal advantage, or are you serving God and blessing others?
Challenge: - For one decision, write down your motive in a sentence or two. If it’s self-centered, reframe the action to serve others or honor God. Report back to a trusted accountability partner about the motive shift and the outcome.
Does the action flow from biblical teaching or from cultural norms?
Evaluate choices against the clear teachings of Scripture, not merely against cultural popularity or personal preference.
Challenge: - Take one common practice you’ve adopted and compare it with a key biblical principle. Write a brief 2–3 sentence verdict and plan any needed adjustments. Share your verdict with an accountability partner.
Look at the observable outcomes: does this choice build up people and reflect Christ, or does it lead to hurt, strife, or manipulation?
Challenge: - For a recent decision, list the expected fruits (positive) and potential harms (negative). Adjust if the fruits are unlikely to appear good. Discuss your assessment with a mentor or group.
Is the decision oriented toward lasting, eternal values or worldly?
Mark 8:36 — "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Consider the long-term impact: How will this choice affect your relationship with God, others, and your legacy?
Challenge: - Choose one upcoming decision and map its short-term and long-term consequences. Write a two-paragraph reflection on how it aligns with eternal priorities. Share your reflection with someone who can hold you accountable to long-term values.
APPLICATION:
The man or woman who loves the Lord receives great dividends
Blessings all through life
Blessings in the life to come
2 Peter 1:3–4 : “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…”
“While bodily exercise strengthens the body for a time, godliness strengthens the soul for time and eternity. Its profit is immeasurable and universal.”
“Godliness nurtures the soul, builds spiritual maturity, and provides victory over sin. Its profit is eternal, unlike fleeting worldly gains.”
“Godliness equips us with the moral compass to make wise choices in every area of life; it is profitable because it produces a life of righteousness and usefulness.”
“Exercise profits for a season; godliness profits for a lifetime and beyond.”
“Godliness is profitable in all things because it touches every area of life—heart, mind, soul, relationships, work, and eternity.”
“A life devoted to godliness yields blessings seen and unseen, temporal and eternal.”
“The profit of godliness is universal: it enriches the soul, strengthens character, and secures eternal reward.”
“Godliness is the highest investment; it pays dividends in this life and the next.”
“Godliness is not only a religious exercise—it is a profitable way of life. It strengthens the soul, shapes character, enhances relationships, and secures eternal blessing. Its benefits extend to all areas of life and all ages.”
“The greatest profit of godliness is eternal life and fellowship with God, which surpasses every temporal pleasure or gain.”
Profit - Returns on investment - Desirable expectations in endeavors
Godliness is profitable unto all things - You stake all things - everything
All things? - Heart, Body, thoughts, plans, future, desires, action, reaction, education, relationship, family, career, eternity...
These qualities make one trustworthy, respected, and beneficial to society.
Godliness improves relationships—with family, friends, and community—by promoting love, patience, and forgiveness.
It fosters peace, contentment, and a stable mind, which affect work, health, and social life positively.
Relationships (Between man and God & Interpersonal) are enhanced through godliness:
Godliness improves how we relate with God and others
Challenge: Before you Act or react, ask: will it please or displease God? Will it build up others or destroy them?
Godliness anchors decisions beyond immediate gain, aligning short-term actions with lasting impact and God’s purposes.
Challenge: - Before you Act or react, ask yourself, “Am I ready to face this in judgement?
CONCLUSION: MORE LIKE THE MASTER
1 More like the Master I would ever
be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to
be true,
More consecration for work He bids me
do.
Chorus:
Take Thou my heart, I would be Thine
alone;
Take Thou my heart and make it all
Thine own.
Purge me from sin, O Lord, I now
implore,
Wash me and keep me Thine
forevermore.
2 More like the Master is my daily
prayer;
More strength to carry crosses I must
bear;
More earnest effort to bring His
kingdom in,
More of His Spirit, the wanderer to
win. (Chorus)
3 More like the Master I would live
and grow;
More of His love to others I would
show;
More self-denial, like His in
Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever
be. (Chorus)
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