Young People's Group

The Pursuit of Godliness

by Mitchell Tan
December 02, 2016

THE CHALLENGE TO PURSUE GODLINESS

What is your main pursuit in life? For some of us, it is the pursuit of academic excellence and sporting achievements. We become satisfied when we achieve them. Have you considered the pursuit of godliness? This was something Paul emphasised in his first epistle to Timothy. The word “Godliness” in Greek is the word “Eusebeia”. It means to “have piety” or being “devout and reverent” towards God. The word “Eusebeia” in Greek is recorded 15 times in the whole Bible and 8 times in the book of 1 Timothy alone. This shows the emphasis that Paul had on godliness in this epistle. What are the features of godliness?

1. Godliness and reverence go together (1 Timothy 2:2).

2. Godliness and good works go together (1 Timothy 2:10).

3. Godliness and the example of Jesus go together (1 Timothy 3:16).

4. Godliness and daily training go together (1 Timothy 4:7).

Young people, let’s seek to focus on training ourselves to be godly. Let’s make this a vital pursuit of life and ministry.

THE REASON TO PURSUE GODLINESS – GAINING GREAT SPIRITUAL BENEFITS

“And exercise yourself towards godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
1 Timothy 4:7-8

We pursue godliness because of the great spiritual benefits that come with it. The Lord Jesus spoke while on this earth of how His coming into this world was meant to help all have life and that they may have it more abundantly (John 10:10). There is that promise of both abundant life on this earth and in heaven. When we seek to exercise ourselves towards godliness, it is going to be profitable for all things. Paul was helping Timothy to discern between great spiritual value and little physical value. He was helping him to choose between eternal benefits and temporal benefits. When a person pursues sporting achievements or higher levels of physical fitness, he is only going to benefit a little. However, the person who takes the time to develop godliness, he will have benefits for both this present life and the life to come.

THE WAY TO PURSUE GODLINESS

1. PERSONAL FAITH

Let’s have the faith to hold fast to the promises of the Lord and to pray to Him to bless.

2. PERSONAL DISCIPLINE

Let’s also discipline ourselves each day to read His word, memorise it and apply it to our life. Let’s make time daily to train ourselves to be godly.

3. PERSONAL DILIGENCE

Let’s be diligence each day to train ourselves towards godliness. Let’s seek to be fully committed to this endeavour.

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