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 5 of 13

THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS
Introduction
     Godliness is not merely a manner of life, or a way of living--although that is involved. There are those who depend upon a code, or list of rules, to define and enforce godly living. We will find this is not only out of harmony with Christ's calling, it represents an approach that neutralizes the truth. We are not merely calling men to holiness, but to God, Who is holy--and there is a vast difference. One cannot live in the presence of God and be unholy. You cannot be "joined to the Lord" (1 Cor 6:17) and remain in sin. You cannot have fellowship with Christ Jesus (1 Cor 1:9) and walk in darkness. Holiness comes from being with  the Holy One!

     While abstinence and expression are involved, they are not the focus. The Word of God is written that we might "sin not" (1 John 2:1). We are surely to "learn how to possess our vessels in sanctification and honor" (1 Thess 4:4). Every child of God is to "abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thess 5:22). Godliness goes beyond this, however, touching upon what we EMBRACE as well as what we forsake; upon what we LOVE as well as what we hate; upon what we DO as well as  that we do not do!

    Godliness is the divine life lived in a hostile realm (1 Tim 2:2,10; 4:7-8; 6:3,5,6,11; Tit 1:1; 2 Pet 1:3,6,7; 3:11). Holiness in heaven differs from holiness upon earth in this respect; there are not obstacles to holiness in the world to come. When the Word addresses the matter of godliness, it presumes a realm in which resistance, difficulty, and competition are experienced.  Those living godly are faced with an adversary, a cursed environment, and a bodily frame that resists  their efforts. 

     We find godliness in the concrete in "the Man Christ Jesus." There, in His Person, godliness was lived out while He tabernacled among us. As we view Him, we see how Divine life reacts in this world. The Law defined conduct, but provided no example. We find in Jesus, and Him alone, a precise representation of godliness.

God manifest in the flesh--The Paradox
     The "mystery of godliness" appropriately commences with this facet; God was made manifest "in the flesh." What a paradox! The depth of this truth escapes the casual mind. God sent His Son into the world "in the likeness of sinful flesh" (Rom 8:3). The marvel of this transaction is seen in the antithetical natures of God and the flesh. The Unseen was made known through the seen; the Transcendent through the inferior; the Infinite through the finite. Strength was made known in weakness, and Wisdom through foolishness. What could not be seen was  revealed through what could be beheld. Only God can do something like that!

     Our text speaks of Christ Jesus, the "express Image" of God's Person (Heb 1:3). The "fulness of the Godhead" dwelt in Him, and it "pleased God" for it to be so (Col 1:19; 2:9). What a marvelous truth is seen in the words of our Lord, "He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father" (John 14:9). The incarnate Word brought the Father within range of our understanding, praise be to His holy name! How appropriate that Christ is described as "God with us" (Matt 1:23).  This was the "Word made flesh," and dwelling among us (John 1:14). The "Fulness of  Godhead" was found in Him "bodily" (Col 2:9), or in a manner that could be observed. If you want to comprehend the life of God, you will have to look to Jesus!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for clarifying Your person and purpose in the Person of Your Son. Give me grace to see Him more, that I may better know and love You.

-- TOMORROW: WILLING INVOLVEMENT --