The Mystery of Godliness ...

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:
        Godwas manifested in the flesh,
        Justified in the Spirit,
        Seen by angels,
        Preached among the gentiles,
        Believed on in the world,
        Received up in glory."

1 Timothy 3:16

Click to read 2 Peter 1:1-11. We are going to base our study on this portion of the scripture today.

In 1 Corinthians 2:7 the bible speaks of God's mystery; "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." The word mystery denotes that which had been hidden or concealed. The meaning here is used to show that the wisdom of God was kept hidden from the world but the obscurity is only until one is born again. In this powerful scripture, we will learn again how to develop a godly character.

Partakers Of The Divine Nature

What was once impossible, has now become possible! Isn't it wonderful that the Bible declares that God's divine power is available for us even today. I want you to really look closely at this powerful truth and be free to become what He has intended you to be from the very beginning.

1. He called us by His glory and virtue. You need to always remember that when He called us, He believed in Himself not in you. It is not your ability that matters but His. His glory and virtue will work in us as believers. It also indicates that it is by his goodness that we are now the children of God.

2. He gave us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Who you are combined with what He as given you will produce God's original intent. Here you can see that God is serious about changing you! We receive these things as we grow in the knowledge of God. When He gave, He gave it all. Hallelujah!

3. He also gave us exceedingly great and precious promises. The role of promises in our lives is to cause us to be partakers of the divine nature. They cause us to share a deep spiritual union with Christ and share the benefits of this relationship. They will also empower us to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Read this touching verse in Hebrews 11:24-26, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward."

Growing in Godliness

Peter, the Apostle, leads us the way and unfolds the mystery of godliness. You can stop dreaming and make godliness a reality in your life according to this timeless truth. Notice in this chapter that diligence is one thing you need throughout the process. The word diligence means hardworking, industrious, putting care and effort into one does. In Proverbs 21:5 the Bible says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty."

1. FAITH

The foundation of all godliness is our faith upon the Lord. It directly refers to our conviction of the truthfulness of God and reflects the authenticity of the message of the Gospel. Faith is our absolute dependence upon the Lord. Faith is the essence of our Christian walk. We need to have faith before we ever partake the of the divine nature of God. A person filled with faith displays a dependable, peaceful and an immovable life. In Galatians 5:22 the word of God refers to faith as one of the fruit of the spirit.

2. VIRTUE

The word virtue means goodness, morality, nobleness, and worth of character. It also refers to any good quality. When you talk about God's virtue, it is his righteousness, holiness, justice, grace, mercy and love. A virtuous person always lives in excellence. It is worth to mention that virtue is the equilibrium of one's life. It is to know how to balance love and power, mercy and truth.

3. KNOWLEDGE (Divine Knowledge)

Colossians 1:10, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." God is not only the source of absolute truth but also He is the truth. In John 14:6, Jesus said unto him (Thomas) , "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Such truth is liberating that it directs, changes and gives assurance. The bible gives this knowledge various names: the knowledge of God (Romans 11:33), the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:13), the knowledge of His will (Colossians 1:9), the knowledge of His love (Ephesians 3:19), the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26).

How can I get this knowledge?

a. From the WORD - 2 Tim. 3:15-17 reminds "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

b. From the HOLY SPIRIT - John 16:13, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." It is very important to know that the Holy Spirit does not only give us the truth but He will guide us into all truth. That's awesome! He is your coach and will make sure that you will get this eternal knowledge. Hallelujah!

c. From CREATION - Romans 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."

4. SELF-CONTROL

Self-control is acquired as one's knowledge of God increases. It is to control our emotions and actions by yielding our will to God. Notice that as believers, we cannot do, speak, see, hear and go whatever we want to. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul reminds us that by saying, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." Here Paul refuses to be mastered by anything except Christ. 1 John 2:15-16 , "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." When you allow the Spirit of God to work in you, you can hold your peace in time of trouble and turmoil.

5. PERSEVERANCE

It is to obey and serve God with all faithfulness and diligence. Perseverance proves the quality and authenticity of our faith. To read more about perseverance, go to our previous study The Process and look under PERSEVERANCE.

6. GODLINESS

In the first letter to Timothy, Paul repeatedly points that godliness is profitable unto all things which is the core message of the book (3:16, 4:7-8, 6:6, 11). It is a kind of life a person leads by revering and honoring God. Godliness is to be conscious of God's presence and to have a great desire for partaking His character. A godly person is one who desires to lead his life as God himself would have led his life if he had walked on this earth.

In Hebrews 12:14 the bible says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." One of the very nature of God is that He is Holy. The word "Follow" is a key word in building up a godly character. We are called to partake of his holiness as it is written in 1 Peter 1:16, "…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." According to the above scriptures, how are we supposed to develop a godly life? In 1 Timothy 4:8, the bible parallels it with the exercise we do to strengthen our body, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." This clearly instructs us that godliness cannot be earned overnight but is a life-style that we exercise daily. This will affect our daily actions, words, decisions and plans. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your trainer in the journey you take towards godliness.

7. BROTHERLY LOVE

Brotherly love is love based on a relationship. This kind of love is designed to function among believers. Romans 12:10-13 unlocks this word that we would walk in it. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." It is to wholeheartedly support, nurture, build and protect a brother, being bonded with an unbreakable unity for one purpose.

8. LOVE

Here the Bible talks about "agape" love. According to the Practical Word Studies In The New Testament (Vol. II, pg. 1288) the word AGAPE is translated as the following.

This is a sacrificial love that does well and wishes well - no matter the circumstance. It is a love that disciplines and corrects harmful indulgence and misbehavior, no matter the cost to self. It is a love that demonstrates kindness, benevolence, and esteem even in the midst of stormy situations. It is the love of the mind, reason and choice. Simply stated, agape love is a sacrificial love, that is, a love that cares, gives, and works for another person's good - no matter how the person may respond or treat one. It is the most supreme love - the love of God.

Agape love is an unconditional love. Look at the following verses.

1 John 4:8 - "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

Jeremiah 31:3, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Hosea 14:4 - "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him."

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 13:1 - "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end."

In conclusion, these characters are like building blocks that starts with faith and ends with agape love. You might say how? The key word in this whole chapter is the word "add to". The amplified version Bible explains this word as "exercise … and develop."

Exercise faith and develop virtue

Exercise virtue and develop knowledge

Exercise knowledge and develop self-control

Exercise self-control and develop perseverance

Exercise perseverance and develop godliness

Exercise godliness and develop brotherly love

Exercise brotherly love and develop LOVE.

From this you can understand that your diligence will play a major roll in partaking the character of God. Your discipline and devotion will determine the outcome. Notice that Peter in verse 1 identified himself as a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ. The word bondservant indicates that there is a tie or agreement. Our agreement and actions accordingly, will allow the divine power of God to work in us! Come on, agree with God and let Him be God in your life!

_______________________________

2 Peter 1

¹ Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

²Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,³as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,⁴by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,⁶to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,⁷to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.⁸For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.⁹For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
¹⁰Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;¹¹for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Emmanuel Worship Center In New Jersey Int'l


Site Menu: Home Audio Broadcast ^NEW Resources Events Update Missions Update Church Store About EWCNJ Article of Faith Vision and Mission Contact Us Gallery Links Resources: Character Development Series Christ-like Character The Journey of Character Development Three Stages of Life The Process Partaking in the Divine Nature Purpose, Destiny and Vision ... Sometimes, God uses the negative circumstance to take you out of your comfort-zone and helps you enter your destiny. Seasons & Times To everything there is a season Abba Father Solving the issue of Identity Crisis Raising The Bar This is the Heritage of the Servants of the LORD	The Mystery of Godliness ... "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: Godwas manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16 Click to read 2 Peter 1:1-11. We are going to base our study on this portion of the scripture today. In 1 Corinthians 2:7 the bible speaks of God's mystery; "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory." The word mystery denotes that which had been hidden or concealed. The meaning here is used to show that the wisdom of God was kept hidden from the world but the obscurity is only until one is born again. In this powerful scripture, we will learn again how to develop a godly character. Partakers Of The Divine Nature What was once impossible, has now become possible! Isn't it wonderful that the Bible declares that God's divine power is available for us even today. I want you to really look closely at this powerful truth and be free to become what He has intended you to be from the very beginning. 1. He called us by His glory and virtue. You need to always remember that when He called us, He believed in Himself not in you. It is not your ability that matters but His. His glory and virtue will work in us as believers. It also indicates that it is by his goodness that we are now the children of God. 2. He gave us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Who you are combined with what He as given you will produce God's original intent. Here you can see that God is serious about changing you! We receive these things as we grow in the knowledge of God. When He gave, He gave it all. Hallelujah! 3. He also gave us exceedingly great and precious promises. The role of promises in our lives is to cause us to be partakers of the divine nature. They cause us to share a deep spiritual union with Christ and share the benefits of this relationship. They will also empower us to escape the corruption that is in the world through lust. Read this touching verse in Hebrews 11:24-26, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." Growing in Godliness Peter, the Apostle, leads us the way and unfolds the mystery of godliness. You can stop dreaming and make godliness a reality in your life according to this timeless truth. Notice in this chapter that diligence is one thing you need throughout the process. The word diligence means hardworking, industrious, putting care and effort into one does. In Proverbs 21:5 the Bible says, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." 1. FAITH The foundation of all godliness is our faith upon the Lord. It directly refers to our conviction of the truthfulness of God and reflects the authenticity of the message of the Gospel. Faith is our absolute dependence upon the Lord. Faith is the essence of our Christian walk. We need to have faith before we ever partake the of the divine nature of God. A person filled with faith displays a dependable, peaceful and an immovable life. In Galatians 5:22 the word of God refers to faith as one of the fruit of the spirit. 2. VIRTUE The word virtue means goodness, morality, nobleness, and worth of character. It also refers to any good quality. When you talk about God's virtue, it is his righteousness, holiness, justice, grace, mercy and love. A virtuous person always lives in excellence. It is worth to mention that virtue is the equilibrium of one's life. It is to know how to balance love and power, mercy and truth. 3. KNOWLEDGE (Divine Knowledge) Colossians 1:10, "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." God is not only the source of absolute truth but also He is the truth. In John 14:6, Jesus said unto him (Thomas) , "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Such truth is liberating that it directs, changes and gives assurance. The bible gives this knowledge various names: the knowledge of God (Romans 11:33), the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:13), the knowledge of His will (Colossians 1:9), the knowledge of His love (Ephesians 3:19), the knowledge of the truth (Hebrews 10:26). How can I get this knowledge? a. From the WORD - 2 Tim. 3:15-17 reminds "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." b. From the HOLY SPIRIT - John 16:13, "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." It is very important to know that the Holy Spirit does not only give us the truth but He will guide us into all truth. That's awesome! He is your coach and will make sure that you will get this eternal knowledge. Hallelujah! c. From CREATION - Romans 1:18-20, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse." 4. SELF-CONTROL Self-control is acquired as one's knowledge of God increases. It is to control our emotions and actions by yielding our will to God. Notice that as believers, we cannot do, speak, see, hear and go whatever we want to. In 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul reminds us that by saying, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." Here Paul refuses to be mastered by anything except Christ. 1 John 2:15-16 , "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." When you allow the Spirit of God to work in you, you can hold your peace in time of trouble and turmoil. 5. PERSEVERANCE It is to obey and serve God with all faithfulness and diligence. Perseverance proves the quality and authenticity of our faith. To read more about perseverance, go to our previous study The Process and look under PERSEVERANCE. 6. GODLINESS In the first letter to Timothy, Paul repeatedly points that godliness is profitable unto all things which is the core message of the book (3:16, 4:7-8, 6:6, 11). It is a kind of life a person leads by revering and honoring God. Godliness is to be conscious of God's presence and to have a great desire for partaking His character. A godly person is one who desires to lead his life as God himself would have led his life if he had walked on this earth. In Hebrews 12:14 the bible says, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." One of the very nature of God is that He is Holy. The word "Follow" is a key word in building up a godly character. We are called to partake of his holiness as it is written in 1 Peter 1:16, "…it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." According to the above scriptures, how are we supposed to develop a godly life? In 1 Timothy 4:8, the bible parallels it with the exercise we do to strengthen our body, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." This clearly instructs us that godliness cannot be earned overnight but is a life-style that we exercise daily. This will affect our daily actions, words, decisions and plans. Allow the Holy Spirit to be your trainer in the journey you take towards godliness. 7. BROTHERLY LOVE Brotherly love is love based on a relationship. This kind of love is designed to function among believers. Romans 12:10-13 unlocks this word that we would walk in it. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." It is to wholeheartedly support, nurture, build and protect a brother, being bonded with an unbreakable unity for one purpose. 8. LOVE Here the Bible talks about "agape" love. According to the Practical Word Studies In The New Testament (Vol. II, pg. 1288) the word AGAPE is translated as the following. This is a sacrificial love that does well and wishes well - no matter the circumstance. It is a love that disciplines and corrects harmful indulgence and misbehavior, no matter the cost to self. It is a love that demonstrates kindness, benevolence, and esteem even in the midst of stormy situations. It is the love of the mind, reason and choice. Simply stated, agape love is a sacrificial love, that is, a love that cares, gives, and works for another person's good - no matter how the person may respond or treat one. It is the most supreme love - the love of God. Agape love is an unconditional love. Look at the following verses. 1 John 4:8 - "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." Jeremiah 31:3, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee." Hosea 14:4 - "I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him." John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 13:1 - "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end." In conclusion, these characters are like building blocks that starts with faith and ends with agape love. You might say how? The key word in this whole chapter is the word "add to". The amplified version Bible explains this word as "exercise … and develop." Exercise faith and develop virtue Exercise virtue and develop knowledge Exercise knowledge and develop self-control Exercise self-control and develop perseverance Exercise perseverance and develop godliness Exercise godliness and develop brotherly love Exercise brotherly love and develop LOVE. From this you can understand that your diligence will play a major roll in partaking the character of God. Your discipline and devotion will determine the outcome. Notice that Peter in verse 1 identified himself as a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ. The word bondservant indicates that there is a tie or agreement. Our agreement and actions accordingly, will allow the divine power of God to work in us! Come on, agree with God and let Him be God in your life! _______________________________ 2 Peter 1 ¹ Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: ²Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,³as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,⁴by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. ⁵ But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge,⁶to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness,⁷to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.⁸For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.⁹For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. ¹⁰Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;¹¹for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
EWCNJ International © 2010	Graphic Design by Round the Bend Wizards & EWCNJ Internet Service

Site Menu:

Resources:

The Mystery of Godliness ...

Partakers Of The Divine Nature

Growing in Godliness