As we wrap up our week on godliness, let's take a moment to think about this passage:
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. (1 Timothy 4)
There are a couple of things to notice about godliness in this passage. First, it takes rejecting profane and old wives' fables. That means we need to be always comparing what we are learning and seeing around us to what God says in His word - not how we feel or what we want. Women are created as emotional beings and our emotions, even though they are valuable when used correctly - can lead us the wrong way. We saw this with Eve. We must learn to think with our heads, not our hearts.
This can be especially difficult sometimes. That's where the second part comes in. We are to exercise ourselves to godliness. If you have ever been on a regular exercise program you know a couple of things. It is hard when you first start. It makes you sore. And tired. But if you continue it becomes easier. If it is a really good program, it will always make you a little sore and tired, but you come to enjoy not only the activity but even the soreness as you realize this means you are making progress. So it is with godliness. It is hard at first. It may not even feel right. Eve couldn't bring herself to say, "No, Mr. Snake, I don't believe you. Your argument is convincing and I want to do what you are suggesting, but I choose to trust God anyway." As we continue along in our "exercise program" adding godliness will become easier and will bring joy because it is profitable and has a promise of a good life now and in the life to come. In time we will begin to see that our life, even now, is so much better and easier than those who choose to follow Mr. Snake.
There will be times when we find an area that needs some work - a new muscle to exercise - and it will be hard again at first. But it's worth it! And you will probably find that all the previous "exercise" will make it easier to improve in this new area, too.
Your assignment for today:
1. Take a few minutes to do a brief word search on "godliness" in the New Testament. Comment on anything that stands out to you.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Thursday, April 18
Today let's take a few moments to think about Eve. I don't think any of us think of her as a grossly immoral woman. We don't know how long she lived before her conversation with Satan. At the beginning of that conversation she showed godliness. She knew God's command about what should or shouldn't be eaten in the garden and faithfully repeated it to Satan when he twisted it. But what happened next is a common mistake that women make - she let herself be deceived.
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2)
She lost her godliness - respect toward God - and gave it to the serpent instead. As women, one of the things we really hate is looking dumb. Satan worded his temptation so that she looked dumb for believing God's promise.
When we sin like Eve sinned, we don't take the time to analyze what we are actually doing. We are actually stating that God is a liar - or at the very least can't be trusted. When God has told us we are to live and think a certain way and we know it because we have added knowledge to our faith, we must add godliness and respect His word. We obey even when we don't see how it can possibly work out for us because we know we can trust Him. I can understand why God was so angry with Eve. Adam, it seems, was not deceived. He just did it because he wanted to for some reason. Eve actually believed God had lied. She trusted Satan more than God.
What has God said about your role in your life situation? Are you married, single, widowed, unmarried? Do you have children or grandchildren? How do you show godliness in your situation?
I am a married woman with grown children. According to Titus 2 that makes me an "older woman." Here is what Paul told Titus about women in my situation:
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
I admit I find this a bit challenging. I don't particularly enjoy admonishing so it's easy for me to convince myself it's not the right time, or they don't want my advice, or maybe I should study a bit more before I say anything, or maybe I should get that beam out of my own eye... You see how it goes. But if I am to be godly, I must respect what God says and admonish anyway. Of course I need to apply other principles about how I should talk in my admonishment because that also is showing respect to God. This blog is one way I try to show godliness. I still have a lot of growing to do in this area.
Today's assignment:
Find at least one passage that tells what you should be doing in your situation. It can be a command or an example. How will you apply this to your life?
13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. (I Timothy 2)
She lost her godliness - respect toward God - and gave it to the serpent instead. As women, one of the things we really hate is looking dumb. Satan worded his temptation so that she looked dumb for believing God's promise.
When we sin like Eve sinned, we don't take the time to analyze what we are actually doing. We are actually stating that God is a liar - or at the very least can't be trusted. When God has told us we are to live and think a certain way and we know it because we have added knowledge to our faith, we must add godliness and respect His word. We obey even when we don't see how it can possibly work out for us because we know we can trust Him. I can understand why God was so angry with Eve. Adam, it seems, was not deceived. He just did it because he wanted to for some reason. Eve actually believed God had lied. She trusted Satan more than God.
What has God said about your role in your life situation? Are you married, single, widowed, unmarried? Do you have children or grandchildren? How do you show godliness in your situation?
I am a married woman with grown children. According to Titus 2 that makes me an "older woman." Here is what Paul told Titus about women in my situation:
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
I admit I find this a bit challenging. I don't particularly enjoy admonishing so it's easy for me to convince myself it's not the right time, or they don't want my advice, or maybe I should study a bit more before I say anything, or maybe I should get that beam out of my own eye... You see how it goes. But if I am to be godly, I must respect what God says and admonish anyway. Of course I need to apply other principles about how I should talk in my admonishment because that also is showing respect to God. This blog is one way I try to show godliness. I still have a lot of growing to do in this area.
Today's assignment:
Find at least one passage that tells what you should be doing in your situation. It can be a command or an example. How will you apply this to your life?
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Wednesday, April 17
For today's discussion I have chosen the following passage:
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2)
The first thing that jumps out to me about a woman being godly is that she adorns herself with good works. So that means that if we have respect toward God, we are busy doing what we can. Not everything that we might think is a good work is a good work for a woman. In this passage we see things that ARE good works for a woman, and that are NOT good works for a woman Most importantly, we see an attitude that lies behind what a woman professing godliness has.
Your assignment for today:
1. List the things a woman professing godliness does and does not do.
2. Describe the attitude this woman has.
8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. (1 Timothy 2)
The first thing that jumps out to me about a woman being godly is that she adorns herself with good works. So that means that if we have respect toward God, we are busy doing what we can. Not everything that we might think is a good work is a good work for a woman. In this passage we see things that ARE good works for a woman, and that are NOT good works for a woman Most importantly, we see an attitude that lies behind what a woman professing godliness has.
Your assignment for today:
1. List the things a woman professing godliness does and does not do.
2. Describe the attitude this woman has.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Tuesday, April 16
What is godliness as used in 2 Peter? Strong's online concordance defines it as reverence or respect; piety towards God. I used to think it meant being like God, but that is a result of godliness. First comes the respect and reverence toward Him.
Deborah exemplifies this trait. First we are told she is someone's wife. That means she has certain responsibilities she must meet as a godly woman. That is probably why Israel comes to her instead of her going to them as other judges did. We are told she is a prophetess. She speaks for God. When we read of when she does this, we see no indication of pride in herself but faithfulness in delivering the message. She respects God by staying in her position not only as a wife, but as a prophet. She believes what God tells her will happen - complete trust. That's a great sign of respect. In her song she praises God for the victory, again giving Him the reverence He is due.
From Deborah's example we learn how a married woman can lead from a position of submission. As women we sometimes struggle with the idea of submission, mostly because we misunderstand what it means. Deborah remained subject to her wifely duties. She kept her priorities straight when called to do something probably a bit more exciting than laundry and dishes. This is respect towards God, because it is He who has given us our sphere of work and influence. God wanted Barak to lead his armies. Deborah was happy to let him - not only let him, but insist he do so. Here again we see Deborah operating within her realm of submission.
I have a tendency to think of only worship in our assemblies as a time of respect or reverence for God. This is not quite accurate. My whole life, and yours, should be lived in respect for Him.
Today's assignment:
1. List two areas in your life as a woman in which you can show respect for God outside of the worship service on Sundays.
2. Prove these are actually areas of respect by giving a passage that shows what God has commanded in this area.
Deborah exemplifies this trait. First we are told she is someone's wife. That means she has certain responsibilities she must meet as a godly woman. That is probably why Israel comes to her instead of her going to them as other judges did. We are told she is a prophetess. She speaks for God. When we read of when she does this, we see no indication of pride in herself but faithfulness in delivering the message. She respects God by staying in her position not only as a wife, but as a prophet. She believes what God tells her will happen - complete trust. That's a great sign of respect. In her song she praises God for the victory, again giving Him the reverence He is due.
From Deborah's example we learn how a married woman can lead from a position of submission. As women we sometimes struggle with the idea of submission, mostly because we misunderstand what it means. Deborah remained subject to her wifely duties. She kept her priorities straight when called to do something probably a bit more exciting than laundry and dishes. This is respect towards God, because it is He who has given us our sphere of work and influence. God wanted Barak to lead his armies. Deborah was happy to let him - not only let him, but insist he do so. Here again we see Deborah operating within her realm of submission.
I have a tendency to think of only worship in our assemblies as a time of respect or reverence for God. This is not quite accurate. My whole life, and yours, should be lived in respect for Him.
Today's assignment:
1. List two areas in your life as a woman in which you can show respect for God outside of the worship service on Sundays.
2. Prove these are actually areas of respect by giving a passage that shows what God has commanded in this area.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Monday, April 15
As we continue on to make our call and election sure, we come to godliness. Godliness is not the same thing as virtue or moral excellence; however, godliness will lead to these virtues.
Our example for this week is Deborah. She is a married woman. We do not know if she has children. She is also a leader in Israel. You can find the account of Deborah in Judges 4-5.
Your assignment for today:
1. Find the definition of the word "godliness." I prefer you use a Strong's Concordance or similar book for this one. Our use today is slightly different from the biblical meaning.
2. Read the account of Deborah and notice two ways in which she shows godliness.
Our example for this week is Deborah. She is a married woman. We do not know if she has children. She is also a leader in Israel. You can find the account of Deborah in Judges 4-5.
Your assignment for today:
1. Find the definition of the word "godliness." I prefer you use a Strong's Concordance or similar book for this one. Our use today is slightly different from the biblical meaning.
2. Read the account of Deborah and notice two ways in which she shows godliness.
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