The Pursuit of Godliness

The Bible calls us to “pursue godliness.” What is that, exactly? How does one pursue it? The apostle Paul gives us valuable insight in his First Letter to Timothy (4:6-8 and 6:11). It is a spiritual discipline all Christians need to develop!

I. THE CONCEPT OF SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES

A. A spiritual discipline is a   in your life that repeatedly brings you back to and closer to God.

B. A main characteristic of spiritual disciplines is that they are . They are not .  

C. The biblical way to grow into being more like Jesus is through an – doing things like biblical, spiritual disciplines.

Scripture References: James 1:22, 2:20; Acts 14:21-22

II. UNPROFITABLE UNGODLINESS

A. Exercise is of our “instruments of righteousness.”

B. The physical, or ”bodily exercise” mentioned here has a more specific contextual reference to the which make a show of the flesh.

C. Getting into good shape requires – getting out of shape requires !

Scripture References: Luke 2:52; Romans 6:12-13; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Mark 7:6-9

III. PURSUING GODLINESS

A. It is both the and of every Christian to pursue godliness,

B. Godliness is true to God.

1. This means that godly devotion is an toward God that results in that are pleasing to Him. It is composed of three essential elements:

a. .
b. .
c. .

2. This also means that it is a

C. The only method for becoming more godly is to and to properly the .

Scripture References: Titus 2:11-13