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 9 of 13

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
     Because the Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of life," fruitage is found where He is. The presence of that fruit justifies the one possessing it, revealing true sonship. This fruit is 100% good, possessing no flaw. Characterized by uprightness, it stands in stark contrast to the "filthy rags" of human righteousness (Isa 64:6).  It is also thoroughly true, with no element of falsehood. As it is written, "For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth" (Eph 5:9). Elsewhere, the fruit is  delineated more precisely. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control; against such things  there is no law" (Gal 5:22-23). Note, the Spirit does not refer to "fruits," but to  "fruit"--singular. These adhere together much like the ten commandments, which were a unit. Their presence confirms the sonship of believers. They justify the claim of being a child of God! Wherever they are not present, the Spirit has been "quenched," "grieved," or "resisted."  Those possessing the Spirit's fruit are "justified in the Spirit."

Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness Through the Spirit
     Our righteousness has been given to us! Jesus has truly become, "the Lord, our Righteousness" (Jer 23:6; 33:16). God has made Him to become our  righteousness (1 Cor 1:30). However, our condition will not always remain as it is  now--in a state of incompleteness. We are looking for the time when we will be thoroughly righteous, with no vestiges of the old nature within us. We know it will not happen in this world, but it will in the world that is to come. Referring to this aspect of hope, Scripture confirms, "For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness" (Gal 5:5, NRSV). That eager waiting, or longing, justifies the claim  of being joined to the Lord. We are "justified in the Spirit."

SEEN OF ANGELS
     It is not that angels are oblivious to the sons of men. They DO see the affairs of humanity, and have involvements with us, both for blessing and cursing. The word "seen" is not a casual word in this text. The angels were not mere spectators, beholding the Son with casual interest. They were focused on Jesus, devoted to ministering to Him. Their role was to ensure the purpose of God was brought to culmination for His glory.

     Angelic activity was associated with the birth of Christ. An angel announced the Messiah's birth to the virgin, Divinely chosen to bear Him. An angel also announced His birth to faithful shepherds who watched over their flocks by night. A multitude of heavenly hosts joyfully sang as the redemptive enterprise was aggressively made known. Doubtless the angels were instrumental in protecting the Lord's Christ during His tender years. An angel directed Joseph how to protect the Holy Child when Herod sought to slay Him. He was "seen of angels"  during the time of vulnerability. They saw Him with a keen interest in the salvation of humanity.

     The angels of God announced the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:10-13). In His initial temptation, they ministered to Him (Mark 1:13). On the night of His betrayal, a representative of their number appeared to Jesus, strengthening Him (Luke 22:43). At His resurrection, angels became dominate, lingering by the tomb to inform faithful women of the breaking of the bands of death (Luke 24:4-7). At His ascension, angels again appeared, informing His disciples that He would return again (Acts 1:11)

     Here was Divine life in a human body, recognized and ministered to by the holy  angels. Men did not see Him properly, but angels did! They sang at His birth, strengthened Him in temptation, and attended His resurrection. They will also return with Him when He comes again in all of His glory (Matt 16:27). Angelic hosts recognized the Eternal life, lived out in this world! 

     None would have thought it possible--yet this is the very nature of true godliness! It is recognized and acknowledged by heavenly hosts. In the case of the sons and daughters of the Most High God, only the measure of that life differs. It is still the very life that was in Christ! In Him, it was "without measure," yet it is recognized in us (who have it in measure) by the angels of God. They behold those in possession of life in order to minister to them (Heb 1:13-14).

PRAYER POINT: Father, through the Lord Jesus Christ, I ask for grace to walk in such a manner as to solicit the attention of the holy angels. I know that Your approval in Christ Jesus will produce this condition.

-- TOMORROW: PREACHED UNTO THE GENTILES --