The Practice of Godliness
1 Timothy 4:7-10; Titus 3:1-9
Several years ago, I began a journey to physical fitness. I changed my eating habits and developed an exercise routine that helped me to be healthier. And it worked. I am more physically fit than I have been in many years. It is a good thing for all of us to think about our health, and what we need to do to maintain or improve it. Physical health is an emphasis in our country. And that is a good thing.
But improving our spiritual health – practicing godliness – is even more important. Yet we do not see the same emphasis given to our spiritual health.
Paul gave emphasis to godliness in his first letter to Timothy and in his letter to Titus. And in each of the first two focal passages, we find a trustworthy saying. In the Timothy passage, the trustworthy saying is that “we have put our hope in the living God.”
Paul went on to point out that this living God is the Savior of all men. This is not to be understood in a universalistic sense, but rather that God saves all those who trust in Him.
People who are physically fit almost always have a plan for staying that way. There are certain habits and disciplines they exercise. To develop spiritually – to practice godliness – we must also have a plan. We must consistently be involved in Bible study, in corporate worship, in prayer. Spend time with spiritually fit people. We can learn from their behavior.
In Paul’s letter to Titus, he reminds us that godliness will impact how we relate to unbelievers; however, a godly life can only be lived by those who have a relationship with God.
There are some people who believe that a “good” life – which they equate with a godly life – is enough to lead to salvation. Not true. Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Good works, caring for others -these are evidences of salvation, not the way to salvation. This is another of the trustworthy sayings.
Paul asked Titus to emphasize this truth: that lives are changed when they are in a saving relationship with our Lord, and that the outward behavior should reflect that inner change. Followers of Christ should lead lives that are devoted to doing good.
Paul then talked about what Christians should not do. Christians should avoid arguments and controversies, especially over minor things. Good, honest discussions about biblical passages are good and can bring spiritual growth. However, many a church has been split (or its witness compromised) because of arguments over petty things.
Register– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union, SCBC.