Godliness

It's Going to Take More Than Faith – GODLINESS

Main Text: 2 Peter 1:5-7 (AMP) & Psalm 37:3-23 (AMP)

2 Peter 1:5-7 (AMP) For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, GODLINESS and in your godliness

GOD-LIKE-NESS:

Developing godliness, which is living a life that reflects God's character and values, is a central goal for Christians. The more we saturate our life with His truth and presence, the more we will be shaped into people who reflect God's character.

9 Keys to Godliness from Psalm 37

Psalm 37:3 (AMP) Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness.

1. TRUST GOD

Total obedience without total understanding

To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of something. So, when it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability and His strength.

2. DO GOOD

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 37:4 (AMP) Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.

3. DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD

When you find happiness and fulfillment in accomplishing God's will, then God will help you do that very thing.

Our desires will begin to parallel His and we will never go unfulfilled.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Psalm 37:5-6 (AMP) Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun].

4. COMMIT YOUR WAY

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP) Commit your works to the LORD [submit and trust them to Him], And your plans will succeed [if you respond to His will and guidance].

Psalm 37:7 (AMP) Be still before the Lord; wait patiently for Him and entrust yourself to Him; Do not fret (whine, agonize) because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.

5. BE STILL BEFORE, WAIT

Rather than taking matters into your own hands, let God be in control of your life and you won't have to plot and scheme like the ungodly in order to prosper.

6. DON'T FRET, WHINE, AGONIZE

Whine, Shine, Recline

Psalm 37:8 (AMP) Cease from anger and abandon wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evil.

7. CEASE ANGER

Anger and outbursts of temper can damage your character and prevent you from developing godliness in your life.

Psalm 37:11 (AMP) But the humble will [at last] inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity and peace.

8. BE HUMBLE

Psalm 37:23 (AMP) The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

9. BE ABLE TO RECEIVE ORDERS

WISDOM KEYS

Wisdom Key #1 - We Must Pursue It

1 Timothy 6:11 (AMP) But as for you, O man of God, flee from these things; aim at and pursue righteousness [true goodness, moral conformity to the character of God], godliness [the fear of God], faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.

Wisdom Key #2 - Immerse Yourself in God's Word

Psalm 119:11 (AMP) Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You.

Wisdom Key #3 - Pray Regularly

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP) Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Wisdom Key #4 - Depend on the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:16 (AMP) But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance], and then you will certainly not carry out the desire of the sinful nature [which responds impulsively without regard for God and His precepts].

Wisdom Key #5 - Reflect Christ in Your Actions

1 John 2:6 (AMP) whoever says he lives in Christ [that is, whoever says he has accepted Him as God and Savior] ought [as a moral obligation] to walk and conduct himself just as He walked and conducted Himself.

Discussion Questions

1. Godliness is described as "God-like-ness"—living a life that reflects God's character. In what areas of your life do people see God's character reflected, and where do they see mostly you?
2. Psalm 37:3 instructs us to "trust in the Lord and do good." How does trusting God practically lead to doing good works in your daily life?
3. The message defines trust as "total obedience without total understanding." What is God asking you to obey even though you don't fully understand His plan?
4. Psalm 37:4 promises that if you delight yourself in the Lord, He'll give you the desires of your heart. How have your desires changed as you've grown closer to God?
5. Proverbs 16:3 says to "commit your works to the Lord" and your plans will succeed. What plans or works do you need to fully commit to God's will and guidance?
6. Psalm 37:7 warns against fretting because of those who prosper through wicked schemes. Who or what situation is causing you to fret instead of trusting God's timing?
7. The passage includes the phrase "Whine, Shine, Recline" regarding fretting. Are you currently whining about your circumstances, or choosing to shine for God despite them?
8. Psalm 37:8 warns that anger "leads only to evil." What anger are you holding onto that's preventing godliness from developing in your life?
9. First Timothy 6:11 commands us to "aim at and pursue" godliness. What intentional steps are you taking to pursue godliness, or are you passively hoping it will develop?
10. First John 2:6 says whoever claims to live in Christ "ought to walk and conduct himself just as He walked." If someone followed you around for a week, would they see you conducting yourself like Jesus?

Stay Connected

Submit a prayer request

Join us online

View our devotionals