THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
"I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and
support of the truth. And by common confession (beyond all question, NIV;
without controversy, KJV) GREAT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Beheld by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory"
(1 Timothy 3:15-16).

Devotion 1 of 13

INTRODUCTION
The Imperative of Godliness
     Holy men have a penchant for godliness. They take seriously the words of the Lord, "Be holy, for I am holy!" (Lev 11:44-45; 1 Pet 1:26). Whatever the individual perception of holiness may be, without it, "no man shall see the Lord" (Heb 12:14). Holiness is the life of God lived out in "this present evil world" (Gal 1:4), and it is a requisite for dwelling in the house of the Lord forever. This is Godlikeness in a  hostile environment, a heavenly demeanor in unheavenly surroundings, and maintaining an eternal perspective in a temporal realm. Salvation in Christ provides the means of separating us from the cursed order, enabling us to live godly in an ungodly realm.

     Paul was concerned about Timothy's conduct as a member of the body of Christ. His concern was not generated because of any deficiency on Timothy's part. The young evangelist was exemplary, being noted as the only companion of the Apostle that had a consistent kingdom mind (Phil 2:20). Spiritual progress, however, is  observed by the forces of darkness as well as the powers in heavenly  places. Scripture alerts us to the nature of our "adversary, the devil." He prowls about like a "roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Godly character  neutralizes the effectiveness of Satan, forming an impenetrable barrier for the soul. It flows from the righteousness of God, becoming a "breastplate" of  protection (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:14).

A Fresh Perspective
     Our text approaches the matter of godliness from a fresh perspective. We are informed that true godliness is not a matter of discipline--simply doing and saying the right things. It is not a routine or procedure--or even a "manner of life," in the ordinary sense of the word. Godliness is a "mystery"--something that is hidden from the carnal mind. Not only is it a "mystery," it is a "great" mystery that  challenges both heart and mind. This situation is not designed to cause despair among those that desire to be godly. Rather, it will cause believers to cast  themselves upon the God Who reveals mysteries (Dan 2:22,28,29). God made  mysterious things known to Daniel, but they were not of this magnitude. The word "mystery" comes from a word meaning a mystery that has been  revealed, or unraveled. The "great mystery" mentioned in our text has been disclosed by the God of heaven. That is the proclamation of the passage! 
 
     The grandeur of this mystery is found in its greatness, or transcendency. It towers high above all other moral pursuits. The quest for excellence is often the aim of unregenerate men, and such things are not to be despised. But those quests are nothing to be compared with a hearty effort to be godly. This objective  is so lofty that men are incapable of imagining it on their own. Its greatness is "without controversy." Everyone who hears of it is challenged! Note, it is not an impossible mystery, but a great one--one that can be known. 

     True godliness is the result of imputed righteousness--a righteousness that comes from God. The Gospel proclaims the availability such a righteousness (Rom 1:17), announcing that it is provided "without the Law" (Rom 3:21), or independently of human cause. The Gospel is what dispels the "mystery of  godliness," bringing it within our grasp.

PRAYER POINT: Father, I want to be holy -- to have Your life expressed through my thoughts, words, and deeds. In the name of Jesus I seeking Your righteousness, as well as Your kingdom. I believe in Christ it can be realized.

-- TOMORROW: BEHAVING OURSELVES --