Exploring Biblical Godliness
The Foundation of the Mystery: I John 5:19 "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (KJV "Lieth in wickedness") Paul says that "all are under sin. As it is written: there is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeds after God. The have all turned aside." This is the indisputable condition of mankind without exception in God’s Eyes. How then can any human being be godly? That is the Mystery of the ages, a mystery that only Divine revelation can solve.
But first, what is this godliness, what does it mean to be godly–Biblically?
1. The words:
A. O.T. #2623 "khaw-seed" from 2616 (to be kind, to be openly merciful). "Khaw-seed" means pious, devout, faithful, godly. Translated as holy, merciful, godly, and saints–that is those that show godly behavior. "Usually a suffix or possessive pronoun referring to God is attached to the word, indicating His special attachment to those who pattern their lives after His."
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him." This is the first occurrence of the English word "godly", in the KJV and it "sets the tone" for all other usages of the word. The godly, those who manifest biblical godliness are those who are set apart unto the LORD!!!
***Of compelling interest is the fact that #2617, "kheh-sed"–the word for mercy, loving kindness, also is rooted in 2616. Keeping in mind the foundational revelation of the Name of God in Ex. 34:6-7 as Mercy, the godly are to reflect His name of Mercy***
Psalm 12:1 "Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear among the sons of men." Significantly, it appears that the godly and the faithful are one in the same!
Psalm 32:1-6 Notice, (Vs 1-2) the godly are the Blessed because their sins are forgiven. 2b is intriguing in that "in whose spirit there is no guile." In other words, being forgiven, bathed in the truth of Hebrews 10, there is no more reason to hide, to cover up! (Vs 3-4) The godly are the chastened of the LORD! (Vs 5-6) When the chastening hand of the LORD unveils their sin, the godly confess their sin, confident of forgiveness (I John 1:9), and their continual prayer is for God’s Grace and Mercy for the overcoming of their sins, lest the flood of iniquity overcome them. (Vs 7) And here is the confidence of the godly: The Lord is their Hiding Place, He is their Preservation and their deliverance!!!
B. N.T. #2316 "theos" Translated KJV God(1320x), god(13x), godly(3x), godward + #4214(how much, how many etc ("Growing out of God"–RF)
II Corinthians 1:12 Paul testifies that he and his companions in the gospel "conducted ourselves in the world (the world that lieth in wickedness) in simplicity (without guile or lust for personal gain) and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God." Paul ministered to them out of a pure motivation, God derived & enabled purpose. This is way more that WWJD.
II Corinthians 7:9-11 Paul sought to see the Corinthians convicted for their sin to the point of godly repentance. Worldly sorrow leads to a worldly repentance (So sorry I was caught, so sorry people will think less of me, on and on) produces death. It is selfish repentance. Godly sorrow leads to godly repentance as David models in Psalms 51:4, "Against You, You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your Sight." Godly sorrow is first of all unto God, repentance before Him as the wronged Party. External consequences must be addressed after the Merciful God is sought out and acknowledged as the rightful judge.
II Corinthians 11:2-3 Paul’s jealousy over the Corinthians wasn’t because of "sheep stealers" dipping into his church size or offerings, but rather godly jealousy, because of those who would tear them away from their rightful husband, Jesus Christ and the simplicity of being one with Him in His body. Paul’s was a rightful godly marriage jealousy.
#2153 "eusebos" This word denotes piously, godly’ it is used with the verb "to live", speaking of the manner of life of the godly.
II Timothy 3:12 "Yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Titus 2:11-12 The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared, "teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age (that lieth in wickedness)". Notice here that living godly is more that merely not sinning and doing what is right. Godliness is more than a collection of its does and don’ts!
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." This makes it clear that we are not trying to be godly for this world or the worldlings, even though it is in the world that we live, but rather, unto God, anticipating His fulfilled Kingdom/Eternity!!!
#2150 "eusebeia"–godliness (14x), holiness (1x) "to be devout, and denotes that piety which is characterized by a Godward attitude and behavior which is well-pleasing to Him." Notice how this takes us back to Psalm 4:3, God has separated the godly, unto Himself. The godless live unto themselves–their stuff, their time, their importance, their success. Those that are godly live unto the Most High God. He provides their stuff, their times are in His Hands, they live in humility before Him, and their successes and failures are His Chastening Hand upon His dear children! The godly live out of a different context and unto a different, wonderfully Glorious Goal.
I Timothy 2:1-2 A good election year verse. We are exhorted to pray for those in authority for this reason: "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." We could add, "in this world that lieth ind wickedness, for here we have no continuing city!!
I Timothy 4:6-8 Paul is exhorting Timothy to continue in the words and faith of Jesus Christ, avoid/reject supposed "doctrines that draw away from his Christ focus, "and exercise yourself unto godliness." For bodily exercise has benefit only in this world that lieth in wickedness, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of life that now is and of that which is to come."
I Timothy 6:3-8 This appears to be one of the most ignored passages in all of Scripture! Paul again exhorts Timothy to hold fast to the Words and Faith of Jesus Christ which is the "doctrine which is according to godliness." This doctrine is completely opposed to those "who suppose that godliness is a means of gain." That gain is far more that mere money. Riches are mentioned verse 9 & 10, but gain can be prestige, power, reputation. The church has fallen before this altar for centuries. Vs 6 "BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT (THE GREATEST) GAIN." Godliness is anchored in the world to come!!!
II Timothy 3:5 Paul’s "last days" warning, he must mean now! Supposed "church people & leaders will be worldlings, often manifesting its worst behavior and yet "having a form of godliness, but denying its power. And from such people turn away." They may talk a good line, but their behavior is after personal gain and the Godward power of godliness is no where seen. It’s all about the here and now!
Titus 1:1 The Faith and Truth of God’s elect is always according to godliness!!!
II Peter 1:3 "as His (God’s) Divine power has give to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, Who called us to glory and virtue."
How on this earth, in this fallen world that lieth in wickedness, can any human become godly, manifest godliness. That is the great mystery! Peter gives us the answer–through the knowledge of Him, our Lord Jesus Christ! And he doesn’t mean some "nodding acquaintance" with Jesus. Peter has ushered us into the meaning of the "Great Mystery of Godliness" in I Timothy 3:16. The six points of the verse are all about Jesus!!! Godliness is wrapped up in the glories of our Beautiful Jesus and we are exhorted to know Him Whom the Father has sent. Growing in this Grace and Knowledge of Him who is the Fullness of the Godhead bodily is the mysterious process whereby we are set apart unto God, unto godliness. This is the source of the power of godliness, the soil out of which godly behavior grows.
The Foundation of the Mystery: I John 5:19 "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one." (KJV "Lieth in wickedness") Paul says that "all are under sin. As it is written: there is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeds after God. The have all turned aside." This is the indisputable condition of mankind without exception in God’s Eyes. How then can any human being be godly? That is the Mystery of the ages, a mystery that only Divine revelation can solve.
But first, what is this godliness, what does it mean to be godly–Biblically?
1. The words:
A. O.T. #2623 "khaw-seed" from 2616 (to be kind, to be openly merciful). "Khaw-seed" means pious, devout, faithful, godly. Translated as holy, merciful, godly, and saints–that is those that show godly behavior. "Usually a suffix or possessive pronoun referring to God is attached to the word, indicating His special attachment to those who pattern their lives after His."
Psalm 4:3 "But know that the LORD has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the LORD will hear when I call to Him." This is the first occurrence of the English word "godly", in the KJV and it "sets the tone" for all other usages of the word. The godly, those who manifest biblical godliness are those who are set apart unto the LORD!!!
***Of compelling interest is the fact that #2617, "kheh-sed"–the word for mercy, loving kindness, also is rooted in 2616. Keeping in mind the foundational revelation of the Name of God in Ex. 34:6-7 as Mercy, the godly are to reflect His name of Mercy***
Psalm 12:1 "Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear among the sons of men." Significantly, it appears that the godly and the faithful are one in the same!
Psalm 32:1-6 Notice, (Vs 1-2) the godly are the Blessed because their sins are forgiven. 2b is intriguing in that "in whose spirit there is no guile." In other words, being forgiven, bathed in the truth of Hebrews 10, there is no more reason to hide, to cover up! (Vs 3-4) The godly are the chastened of the LORD! (Vs 5-6) When the chastening hand of the LORD unveils their sin, the godly confess their sin, confident of forgiveness (I John 1:9), and their continual prayer is for God’s Grace and Mercy for the overcoming of their sins, lest the flood of iniquity overcome them. (Vs 7) And here is the confidence of the godly: The Lord is their Hiding Place, He is their Preservation and their deliverance!!!
B. N.T. #2316 "theos" Translated KJV God(1320x), god(13x), godly(3x), godward + #4214(how much, how many etc ("Growing out of God"–RF)
II Corinthians 1:12 Paul testifies that he and his companions in the gospel "conducted ourselves in the world (the world that lieth in wickedness) in simplicity (without guile or lust for personal gain) and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God." Paul ministered to them out of a pure motivation, God derived & enabled purpose. This is way more that WWJD.
II Corinthians 7:9-11 Paul sought to see the Corinthians convicted for their sin to the point of godly repentance. Worldly sorrow leads to a worldly repentance (So sorry I was caught, so sorry people will think less of me, on and on) produces death. It is selfish repentance. Godly sorrow leads to godly repentance as David models in Psalms 51:4, "Against You, You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your Sight." Godly sorrow is first of all unto God, repentance before Him as the wronged Party. External consequences must be addressed after the Merciful God is sought out and acknowledged as the rightful judge.
II Corinthians 11:2-3 Paul’s jealousy over the Corinthians wasn’t because of "sheep stealers" dipping into his church size or offerings, but rather godly jealousy, because of those who would tear them away from their rightful husband, Jesus Christ and the simplicity of being one with Him in His body. Paul’s was a rightful godly marriage jealousy.
#2153 "eusebos" This word denotes piously, godly’ it is used with the verb "to live", speaking of the manner of life of the godly.
II Timothy 3:12 "Yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Titus 2:11-12 The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared, "teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age (that lieth in wickedness)". Notice here that living godly is more that merely not sinning and doing what is right. Godliness is more than a collection of its does and don’ts!
Hebrews 12:28 "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." This makes it clear that we are not trying to be godly for this world or the worldlings, even though it is in the world that we live, but rather, unto God, anticipating His fulfilled Kingdom/Eternity!!!
#2150 "eusebeia"–godliness (14x), holiness (1x) "to be devout, and denotes that piety which is characterized by a Godward attitude and behavior which is well-pleasing to Him." Notice how this takes us back to Psalm 4:3, God has separated the godly, unto Himself. The godless live unto themselves–their stuff, their time, their importance, their success. Those that are godly live unto the Most High God. He provides their stuff, their times are in His Hands, they live in humility before Him, and their successes and failures are His Chastening Hand upon His dear children! The godly live out of a different context and unto a different, wonderfully Glorious Goal.
I Timothy 2:1-2 A good election year verse. We are exhorted to pray for those in authority for this reason: "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." We could add, "in this world that lieth ind wickedness, for here we have no continuing city!!
I Timothy 4:6-8 Paul is exhorting Timothy to continue in the words and faith of Jesus Christ, avoid/reject supposed "doctrines that draw away from his Christ focus, "and exercise yourself unto godliness." For bodily exercise has benefit only in this world that lieth in wickedness, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of life that now is and of that which is to come."
I Timothy 6:3-8 This appears to be one of the most ignored passages in all of Scripture! Paul again exhorts Timothy to hold fast to the Words and Faith of Jesus Christ which is the "doctrine which is according to godliness." This doctrine is completely opposed to those "who suppose that godliness is a means of gain." That gain is far more that mere money. Riches are mentioned verse 9 & 10, but gain can be prestige, power, reputation. The church has fallen before this altar for centuries. Vs 6 "BUT GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT (THE GREATEST) GAIN." Godliness is anchored in the world to come!!!
II Timothy 3:5 Paul’s "last days" warning, he must mean now! Supposed "church people & leaders will be worldlings, often manifesting its worst behavior and yet "having a form of godliness, but denying its power. And from such people turn away." They may talk a good line, but their behavior is after personal gain and the Godward power of godliness is no where seen. It’s all about the here and now!
Titus 1:1 The Faith and Truth of God’s elect is always according to godliness!!!
II Peter 1:3 "as His (God’s) Divine power has give to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, THROUGH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIM, Who called us to glory and virtue."
How on this earth, in this fallen world that lieth in wickedness, can any human become godly, manifest godliness. That is the great mystery! Peter gives us the answer–through the knowledge of Him, our Lord Jesus Christ! And he doesn’t mean some "nodding acquaintance" with Jesus. Peter has ushered us into the meaning of the "Great Mystery of Godliness" in I Timothy 3:16. The six points of the verse are all about Jesus!!! Godliness is wrapped up in the glories of our Beautiful Jesus and we are exhorted to know Him Whom the Father has sent. Growing in this Grace and Knowledge of Him who is the Fullness of the Godhead bodily is the mysterious process whereby we are set apart unto God, unto godliness. This is the source of the power of godliness, the soil out of which godly behavior grows.