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LIVE GODLY
Titus
2:11-12
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
In this series of
lessons, we have focused upon the “how” of Christian living as taught in Titus
2:11-12.
For the
grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that,
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world.
B.
Having removed the
weeds of ungodliness and worldly lusts, we are to cultivate seeds of soberness,
righteousness, and godliness.
C.
In this lesson, we
want to develop the concept of what is means to “Live
Godly.”
I.
THE DEMAND TO BE GODLY
A.
Titus 2:12 is not the
only passage that exhorts us to be godly.
B.
There are several
other passages that set forth the divine demand for
godliness.
1.
I Timothy
4:7
But refuse
profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto
godliness.
2.
I Timothy
6:11
But thou,
O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness,
faith, love, patience, meekness.
3.
II Peter
1:5-7
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; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness
charity.
II.
THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
A.
As the name implies, godliness centers upon God.
1.
The lexicons: piety,
reverence, respect, holiness
2.
A simple definition is “God like ness.”
3.
Another said that godliness involves “God in the
man.”
B.
Godliness involves our attempt to become like God. Many passages urge us on in this
endeavor.
1.
Matthew 5:48
Be ye
therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is
perfect.
2.
Luke
6:36
Be ye
therefore merciful, even as your Father also is merciful.
3.
Ephesians
5:1
Be ye
therefore followers of God, as dear children.
4.
I Peter
1:15-16
But as he
which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
C.
There are two keys
that will assist one in living a godly life.
1.
Knowledge of the Word
of God (II Pet. 1:3).
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.
a.
All that is found in the Bible came from the mind of God (I Cor.
2:9-13).
b.
Since the Word of God contains God’s thoughts, the more one thinks upon
them, the more he becomes like God.
2.
Following the steps of Jesus.
a.
I John 2:6
He that
saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he
walked.
b.
If we do this, we will
become like the Father for Jesus came to reveal the
Father.
1)
John 1:18
No man
hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the
Father, he hath declared him.
2)
John 14:9
Jesus
saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and hast thou not known me,
Philip? He that hath seen me hath
seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the
Father?
III. THE
DECEPTION OF GODLINESS
A.
Godliness, like
righteousness, can put on an outward display (II Tim.
3:5).
Having a
form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…
B.
There are four truths
revealed in this verse that pertain to our study:
1.
Godliness has a form
(3446).
a.
“Form” is from the Greek word “morphosis.”
b.
A formation, an appearance, a form that truly expresses the
fact
c.
Internal piety and reverence and holiness can always be seen in outward
display.
d.
There is no secret worship and love of God.
2.
Godliness has a power.
a.
True godliness is displayed due to something within the
individual.
b.
A study of the word and a knowledge of Jesus Christ effectually work in
those who believe (I Thess. 2:13).
3.
If there is no display of godliness, there is no power
within.
4.
One can have an outward show of godliness, but deny the power
thereof.
a.
These individuals have an outward shell that seems
godly.
1)
With this outer display, they think they have pleased
God.
2)
With this outer display, they think they have appeased
man.
b.
God is nigh to their mouths, but far from their
hearts.
c.
They are like pictures and images with no life.
d.
Their lives bleed out with sin and transgressions.
C.
Bible example: The Pharisees
1.
These were the
religious leaders of the day.
a.
Jesus said that they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matt.
23:2).
b.
They prayed; they gave; they made proselytes; they studied; they taught;
they reproved; and they worshiped.
2.
They were still far from God (Matt. 15:7-9).
Ye
hypocrites, well did Esaias prophecy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh
unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is
far from me. But in vain they do
worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men.
D.
There are numerous
examples of those today who have a form of godliness, but deny the power
thereof.
1.
Those who have lost
their fervent love for God.
a.
God is no longer “the love of their life.” His name no longer inspires them. They do not seek to get close to
Him.
b.
Mark 12:30
And thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with
all thy mind, and with all thy strength:
this is the first commandment.
2.
Those who are seeking
to please someone else by their Christian service.
a.
They seek to please a parent or a spouse.
b.
These individuals need to develop their own personal faith (Heb.
11:6).
But
without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe
that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek
him.
3.
Those with knowledge,
but have fallen in love with sin.
a.
They have been overpowered by the devil and are in his clutches. They may rationalize and justify their
iniquity.
b.
These individuals must crucify their lusts and affections (Gal.
5:24).
And they
that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and
lusts.
4.
Those who believe that
success, riches, and gain are godliness.
a.
These individuals work under a false assumption that God blesses the
godly with prosperity (I Tim. 5:5).
b.
The apostles, including the apostle Paul, gave up all for Christ (Phil.
3:7)
But what
things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
5.
Those who have been
infected by false doctrine.
a.
Many times, these individuals believe they are adhering to God’s
will. Thus, they have a “form” of
godliness.
b.
The power of godliness, however, is derived from the true gospel (Rom.
1:16).
c.
These individuals must return to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ (I
Tim. 6:3-4a).
If any man
teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud,
knowing nothing…
6.
Those who are in
positions of leadership and power.
a.
Some get lost in their authority.
They think they are above the law.
b.
Diotrephes is a perfect example (III John 9-10).
c.
Leaders were never intended to be lords. They must remember that they are subject
to the chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:3-4).
Neither as
being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall
appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not
away.
CONCLUSION
A.
The practice of
“God-like-ness” is vital for this life and the world to come (I Tim.
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.
B.
It is difficult,
however, to find godly men and women on the earth (Ps.
12:1).
Help,
Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful faith from among the children
of men.
C.
Those who do live
godly lives will be separated by the Lord unto Himself (Ps.
4:3).
But know
that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for
himself…
LIVE
GODLY
Titus
2:11-12
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
Recently, we have
focused upon the “how” of Christian living as taught in Titus
2:11-12.
B.
Having removed the
weeds of ungodliness and worldly lusts, we are to cultivate seeds of soberness,
righteousness, and godliness.
C.
In this lesson, we
want to develop the concept of what is means to “Live
Godly.”
I.
THE DEMAND TO BE GODLY
A.
Titus 2:12 is not the only passage that exhorts us to be
godly.
B.
Several passages set forth the divine demand for godliness (I Tim. 4:7;
6:11; I Pet. 1:5-7).
II.
THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
A.
As the name implies, godliness centers upon God.
1.
The lexicons: piety,
reverence, respect, holiness
2.
A simple definition is “God like ness.”
3.
Another said that godliness involves “God in the
man.”
B.
Godliness involves our attempt to become like God. Many passages urge us on in this
endeavor (Matt. 5:48; Luke 6:36; Eph. 5:1; I Pet. 1:15-16)
C.
There are two keys that will assist one in living a godly
life.
1.
Knowledge of the Word of God (II Pet. 1:3; I Cor.
2:9-13)
2.
Following the steps of Jesus (I John 2:6; John 1:18;
14:9).
III. THE
DECEPTION OF GODLINESS
A.
Godliness, like
righteousness, can put on an outward display (II Tim.
3:5).
B.
There are four truths
revealed in this verse that pertain to our study:
1.
Godliness has a form (3446).
a.
“Form” is from the Greek word “morphosis.”
b.
A formation, an appearance, a form that truly expresses the
fact
c.
Internal piety and reverence and holiness can always be seen in outward
display.
d.
There is no secret worship and love of God.
2.
Godliness has a power.
a.
True godliness is displayed due to something within the
individual.
b.
A study of the Word and a knowledge of Jesus Christ effectually work in
those who believe (I Thess. 2:13).
3.
If there is no display of godliness, there is no power
within.
4.
One can have an outward show of godliness, but deny the power
thereof.
a.
These individuals have an outward shell that seems
godly.
b.
God is nigh to their mouths, but far from their
hearts.
c.
They are like pictures and images with no life.
d.
Their lives bleed out with sin and transgressions.
C.
Bible example: The
Pharisees
1.
These were the religious leaders of the day.
a.
Jesus said that they “sit in Moses’ seat” (Matt.
23:2).
b.
They prayed; they gave; they made proselytes; they studied; they taught;
they reproved; and they worshiped.
2.
They were still far from God (Matt. 15:7-9).
D.
Numerous examples exist of those who have a form of godliness, but deny
the power thereof.
1.
Those who have lost their fervent love for God (Mark
12:30).
2.
Those who are seeking to please someone else by their Christian service
(Heb. 11:6).
3.
Those with knowledge, but have fallen in love with sin (Gal.
5:24).
4.
Those who believe that success, riches, and gain are godliness (I Tim.
5:5; Phil. 3:7).
5.
Those who have been infected by false doctrine (Rom. 1:16; I Tim.
6:3-4a).
6.
Those who are in positions of leadership and power.
a.
Some get lost in their authority.
They think they are above the law.
b.
Diotrephes is a perfect example (III John 9-10).
c.
Leaders were never intended to be lords. They must remember that they are subject
to the chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:3-4).
CONCLUSION
A.
The practice of
“God-like-ness” is vital for this life and the world to come (I Tim.
4:8).
B.
It is difficult,
however, to find godly men and women on the earth (Ps.
12:1).
C.
Those who do live
godly lives will be separated by the Lord unto Himself (Ps.
4:3).
LIVE
GODLY
Titus
2:11-12
Victor M.
Eskew
INTRODUCTION
A.
Recently, we have
focused upon the “________” of Christian living as taught in Titus
2:11-12.
B.
Having removed the
weeds of ungodliness and worldly lusts, we are to cultivate _____________ of
soberness, righteousness, and godliness.
C.
In this lesson, we
want to develop the concept of what is means to “Live
Godly.”
I.
THE __________________ TO BE GODLY
A.
Titus 2:12 is not the only passage that exhorts us to be
godly.
B.
Several passages set forth the divine demand for godliness (I Tim. 4:7;
6:11; I Pet. 1:5-7).
II.
THE DEFINITION OF GODLINESS
A.
As the name implies, godliness centers upon
__________.
1.
The lexicons: piety,
reverence, respect, holiness
2.
A simple definition is “God _________ ness.”
3.
Another said that godliness involves “God ______ the
_________.”
B.
Godliness involves our attempt to become like God. Many passages urge us on in this
endeavor (Matt. 5:48; Luke 6:36; Eph. 5:1; I Pet. 1:15-16)
C.
There are two keys that will assist one in living a godly
life.
1.
__________________ of the Word of God (II Pet. 1:3; I Cor.
2:9-13)
2.
Following the __________ of Jesus (I John 2:6; John 1:18;
14:9).
III. THE
____________________ OF GODLINESS
A.
Godliness, like
righteousness, can put on an _____________ display (II Tim.
3:5).
B.
There are four truths
revealed in this verse that pertain to our study:
1.
Godliness has a __________ (3446).
a.
“Form” is from the Greek word “morphosis.”
b.
A formation, an appearance, a form that truly expresses the
fact
c.
Internal piety and reverence and holiness can always be seen in outward
display.
d.
There is no _____________ worship and love of God.
2.
Godliness has a ________________.
a.
True godliness is displayed due to something within the
individual.
b.
A study of the word and a knowledge of Jesus Christ ____________ _________ in those who believe (I Thess.
2:13).
3.
If there is no display of godliness, there is no power
____________.
4.
One can have an outward show of godliness, but deny the power
thereof.
a.
These individuals have an outward shell that seems
godly.
b.
God is __________ to their mouths, but _________ from their
hearts.
c.
They are like pictures and images with no life.
d.
Their lives bleed out with sin and transgression.
C.
Bible example: The
Pharisees
1.
These were the religious leaders of the day.
a.
Jesus said that they “sit in _____________ seat” (Matt.
23:2).
b.
They prayed; they gave; they made proselytes; they studied; they taught;
they reproved; and they worshiped.
2.
They were still __________ from God (Matt. 15:7-9).
D.
Numerous examples exist of those who have a form of godliness, but deny
the power thereof.
1.
Those who have _________ their fervent love for God (Mark
12:30).
2.
Those who are seeking to please ____________ by their Christian service
(Heb. 11:6).
3.
Those with knowledge, but have fallen in love with _________ (Gal.
5:24).
4.
Those who believe that success, riches, and _______ is godliness (I Tim.
5:5; Phil. 3:7).
5.
Those who have been infected by _________ ___________ (Rom. 1:16; I Tim.
6:3-4a).
6.
Those who are in positions of leadership and power.
a.
Some get lost in their authority.
They think they are _________ the law.
b.
Diotrephes is a perfect example (III John 9-10).
c.
Leaders were never intended to be ___________. They must remember that they are subject
to the chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:3-4).
CONCLUSION
A.
The practice of
“God-like-ness” is vital for this life and the world to __________ (I Tim.
4:8).
B.
It is ___________,
however, to find godly men and women on the earth (Ps.
12:1).
C.
Those who do live
godly lives will be ________________ by the Lord unto Himself (Ps.
4:3).
