Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
November 6, 2022

“Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness”
by Bryan Gibson
The word godliness appears 16 times in the New Testament, in the New King James Version (Acts 3:12; 1 Timothy 2:2, 10; 3:16; 4:7-8; 6:3, 5-6, 11; 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:1; 2 Peter 1:3, 6-7; 3:11). Using these passages, here are a few quick points we can make about godliness. 1) We can’t go to heaven without it (2 Peter 3:11-12). 2) It doesn’t come without effort (1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Peter 1:5-7). 3) It is attainable, because everything that pertains to it has been revealed in the gospel, the only source that can produce godliness (2 Peter 1:3; Titus 1:1; 1 Timothy 6:3). 4) The mere profession of it is not enough—it must be exhibited in our speech, dress, teaching, good works, worship, etc. (2 Timothy 3:5; 1 Timothy 2:9-10). 5) It brings great reward—in this life, but especially in the life to come (1 Timothy 4:7-8; 6:6).
But that still doesn’t tell us exactly what godliness is, does it? With one exception (1 Timothy 2:10), the word godliness is translated from the Greek word, eusebeia. Literally, it means to worship well, to be very devout (Robertson, Vincent). Here are some different definitions of eusebeia, from different sources. “A holy reverence or respect for God, piety towards God” (Wuest). “Reverence towards the one and only God, and the kind of life that He would wish us to lead” (Eusebius). “Godliness, as denoting character and conduct determined by the principle of love or fear of God in the heart” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). “That piety which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him” (Vine).
According to these definitions, then, we could do the right thing, and still not be practicing godliness—if we do the right thing for all the wrong reasons. If we do the right thing only because we want to please our parents, that’s NOT godliness. If we do the right thing to be seen of men, or to make ourselves look better, that’s NOT godliness. In other words, if we do the right thing, and it has nothing to do with God, that’s NOT godliness. But, if we do the right thing because we want to please God; and we want to please Him because we love Him, revere Him, and fear Him, THAT is godliness.
Joseph did the right thing when he refused to have sexual relations with Potiphar’s wife, and he did it for the right reason: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). That’s godliness. Nehemiah did the right thing when he conducted himself differently from the governors who came before him. He did not put heavy burdens on the people; didn’t eat the governor’s provisions; and he worked on the walls like everyone else (Nehemiah 5:14-18). He didn’t do it for political advantage or to gain favor with the people; he did it “because of the fear of God” (Nehemiah 5:15). That’s godliness. Job did the right thing when he treated even his servants with the utmost respect, and his reason had everything to do with God. “Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb? (Job 31:15). If he did treat them unfairly he would have these questions to answer: “What then shall I do when God rises up? When he punishes, how shall I answer Him? (Job 31:14). That’s godliness, and like many words, it’s best understood when seen in action.
“Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?” (2 Peter 3:11-12).

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 365-5887 / (334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.