In my previous post last weekend, we discussed "The Mystery of God", which pointed to Jesus Christ as the mystery of God, and how also His rule in God's soon to be kingdom was part of that mystery. Today, we will talk about "The Mystery of Godliness".
Remember, a mystery in the New Testament sense is not something which cannot be understood. It is rather some plan or purpose of God which has always been known to Him, but which he kept the meaning hidden until He knew the time was right to reveal it. Mysteries were revealed by Christ and eventually by the Holy Spirit.
I am sharing here a 52 minute sermon by the "prince of preachers", Charles Spurgeon, which is titled "The Great Mystery of Godliness". This sermon is well worth the time to listen to, as are all of Spurgeon's discourses.
Spurgeon explains that the great mystery of godliness is the manifestation of God in human flesh, that He might save men from sin. Jesus took the sins of man upon Himself so that He paid the price for sin in our place. Therefore, if we believe in Him as the Savior, and have faith, we may have forgiveness of sins and gain eternal life.
"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." - 1 Timothy 3:16
There are many Scriptures that admonish true believers to have godliness themselves; to lead a godly life. Godliness is reverential piety toward God. The two words express inward and outward holiness.
"For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." - 1 Timothy 2:2
"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 4:8
"But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6
"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue." - 2 Peter 1:6
So called carnal Christians need to wake up and take these Scriptures to heart. You cannot be a part of the world and have godliness at the same time. I really feel like there is no such thing as a carnal Christian, with the exception, perhaps, of new believers that do not yet have a clear understanding of how the world can corrupt and ensnare you to keep you from being an effective and "on fire" follower of Jesus Christ.
"The key to godliness is not more knowledge but more obedience." - Woodrow Kroll
"How can you give up the world? Just do what you ought to do and it will give you up." - Jack Hyles
"Grace and peace are possible since God has given us (all Christians) everything we need to live godly lives." - Dr. Thomas Constable
"Prayer - secret. fervent, believing prayer - lies at the root of all personal godliness." - William Carey
"Godliness, as well as the doctrine of our faith, is a mystery." - William Gurnall
When a person gives evidence of a sincere appreciation and love towards the heavenly Father, that is one of the most evident signs of genuine godliness.
What helps a person to be godly and to live a holy life is for him to have a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus Christ His Son. How does that happen? By much prayer and much Bible study. As I have said previously, you cannot get to know a person unless you communicate with him. That is true of God as well. Take everything to Him in prayer and pray often. Take time to "listen" to Him speak to you in your heart and through His Holy Word. When we read in the Bible about the character of the good Lord, we come to know Him better. We appreciate His many attributes, and grow to love Him more and more the better we come to know Him.
Perhaps there are those reading this that are not saved; that do not believe in Jesus as their Savior. I would like to remind you that these are the last days of this age....we are even in the last "hour" of the end times. You need to repent and turn to the Lord in faith and believe that Jesus is the promised Savior. Do it now while there is still time before the 7 year Tribulation period and before that being left behind because of unbelief when the Rapture of the Church occurs soon.
Romans 10:9,10,13 explains, (9) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)." - 2 Corinthians 6:2
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16
Have a blessed weekend and a Christ centered life !
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