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 13 of 13

GODLINESS DEFINED
     A few succinct statements will serve to accentuate the glory of godliness. It is the divine nature revealed in the flesh. It shows the superiority of the Spirit over the flesh. Divine life is ministered to by the angels of God and  made accessible to the alienated. It also induces and maintains faith in Christ. It will consummate in the godly one appearing faultless before the Throne in glory. 

     Godliness is not the result of human discipline, but is the response of faith to the grace of God. The hearty and consistent involvement of the godly is certainly required. However, all the godly consistently confess, "I am what I am by the grace of God."

CONCLUSION
     While I do not ordinarily refer to "The Living Bible" in these devotions, it does capture the sense of this text. I do not concur that Paul is emphasizing the difficulty of living godly, but the possibility of doing so.

     "It is quite true that the way to live a godly life is not an easy matter. But the answer lies in Christ, Who came to earth as a man, was proved spotless and pure in His Spirit, was served by angels, was preached among the nations, was accepted by men everywhere, and was received up again to His glory in heaven."

     Do not miss the glory of this passage! Life from heaven was lived out in this world. It was lived at a level acceptable to God Himself, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Heavenly messengers attended this life, ministering in times of need. The impact of this life penetrated into the dark regions of the nations, and awakened faith among all kinds of people. It was also welcomed back in heaven, with full approval of God Almighty! That is a synopsis of real godliness; and it is found in Christ. To me, the glory of godliness is its accessibility. It is not beyond the reach of the least of all saints, and yet it remains a challenge to the greatest of them.
Pursue it eagerly! Your efforts will not be in vain!

THE SECRET OF GODLINESS
     Godliness is the Divine life expressed in the hostile environment of "this present evil world." Its highest expression is found in the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ. While here, He engaged the attention of angelic hosts, who ministered to Him. His receptivity to and guidance by the Holy Spirit confirmed He was God revealed in the flesh. Through Him, even those alienated from God heard of reconciliation, and those in the world believed, thereby overcoming the evil one. He was received back into glory, even though He had been in this world. That is godliness in its essence!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I desire to be godly -- as godliness was revealed in the Person of Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. I ask, in His name, that You continue Your revealed purpose of conforming me to His image. I consent to this work, and confess without shame that it is what I want more than anything else.

-- TOMORROW: New Series, THE ROLE OF THE ANGELS --