Godliness

by C.R. Stoner, Hayes, Kent | Category: General | Sept 1975

The word "godliness" is not used much in ordinary English. Most of us have some vague idea of its meaning but would find it hard to define. Many people probably think of it as applying to external observance and manner of living. The Concise Oxford Dictionary defines "godliness" as "religion, piety, devoutness", thus showing it to involve belief and an inward state.

The word occurs sixteen times in the A.V. and fifteen times in the R.V. Eleven of these occurrences are in Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus, while Peter uses the word three times. From Young's Concordance we learn that it is used as the translation of eusebeia, except in 1 Tim. 2:10,

where the Greek is theosebeia. Eusebelia is always translated "godliness" in R.V. and A.V. except that in Acts 3:12 "holiness" is used in the A.V. Young gives the meaning of eusebeia as "piety, reverence".

Vine states that eusebeia denotes "that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him". Alford also translates eusebeia by "piety".

Let us now consider some of the occurrences of the word "godliness" in the R.V. This article is intended to be of a practical nature but we find that in the Epistles practical exhortation is usually based upon statements of profound truth concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.

We consider first the statements of 1 Tim. 3:16. Here is set forth the "mystery of godliness", the basis of all true godliness and piety. The word "mystery" in the New Testament refers to that which has been hidden but is now revealed.

The great facts concerning the Lord Jesus are set forth in six brief phrases: He was

Manifested in the fleshPreached among the nations

Justified in the SpiritBelieved on in the world

Seen of angelsReceived up in glory

The revelation of Christ is the basis of all godliness or piety and He is Himself the perfect example of godliness, showing the right behaviour of man towards God. With this revelation of Christ in our hearts and minds, shall we consider some of the other passages where "godliness" is used and endeavour to apply them to our present-day Christian living?

In 1 Tim. 2:2 we are commanded to pray for the rulers of the world, so that it may be possible for us to "lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity". At the time that Paul wrote, the known world was free from major wars because the power of Rome was unchallenged but some of the emperors, whose personal lives were despicable, treated their subjects in an arbitrary and oppressive manner. Like some modern dictators, they wished to dominate even the religious life of their subjects and this Christians could not accept. Nevertheless, "the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1) and it is the Christian's duty to pray for them and to obey them as far as possible. It is desirable that conditions should assist, rather than hinder, the practice of godliness, but many believers from Paul's day until now have been able to have an inner tranquillity and godliness even when oppressed, denied liberty and persecuted.

We shall not find ourselves practising godliness without effort on our part. Timothy was told to exercise himself unto godliness (1 Tim. 4:7) and

this is compared with physical exercise. Timothy was half Greek and living among Greeks, to whom physical training was very important and had almost a religious significance. The exercise was to be done systematically, like a course. The R.S.V. says "train yourself in godliness". We are not given details of the "course" but from other passages we can be sure that it involves study of the Scriptures, meditation thereon, prayer and thanksgiving, together with witness and service to others. Compared with the training of an athlete, who is so soon past his prime, the exercise of godliness should last till old age and it prepares for the enjoyment of the life to come. Timothy was also told to follow after godliness (1 Tim. 6:11), which clearly requires effort.

We have already suggested that the practice of godliness will involve the study of the Scriptures and in 1 Tim. 6:3 we are told that there is the "doctrine which is according to godliness". It is true that the Bible can be studied in detail without that study being an exercise in godliness, but godliness is not some mystical experience divorced from right doctrine, particularly that concerning the Person and work of Christ.

Paul warned Timothy (2 Tim. 3:5) that in the "last days" men will have a form of godliness (or religion) having denied its power. In this respect the "last days" are already with us. We suggest that there are two ways in which the power is denied: firstly, by a so-called Christian teaching which denies the Lord's Deity, the Atonement and the Lord's bodily resurrection; secondly, by a formal religion without any experience of conversion.

Paul also warns that some will mistakenly suppose that "godliness is a way of gain" (1 Tim. 6:5). This idea is probably not much in evidence in Britain today but it certainly has been in the past. Some men who had had no spiritual experience became clergymen because it provided (in those days) a good living and social position whilst many of the laity attended church because it was respectable and they wished to be seen by their "betters".

There is a more subtle fallacy into which we can fall. That is by supposing that if we practise godliness we shall be spared the disasters and troubles which come to the ungodly. Job's "comforters" were convinced that his troubles could not have come unless there was something wrong in his life. Neither Job nor his friends knew anything of God's purpose in what was taking place.

But "godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Tim. 6:6). These words are very important to the believer in these days. Discontent and envy seem to be deep-seated in the western world, which is so well off in many ~ways compared with the rest of the world. The fallacy that happiness is dependent upon many possessions is widespread. The desire to own similar things to those of neighbours and friends colloquially called "keeping up with the Jones" - is very strong in some people and it can so easily invade the life of the believer. It often leads to people buying luxuries by deferred payments, bringing unhappiness and discontent with wages, since a good proportion of the income has been signed away before it has been earned.

We are told in 2 Pet. 1:3 that "His (God's) divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness". This divine power is essential, for we cannot attain to godliness in our own strength but if we earnestly desire the divine power it will be granted to us.

In view of the coming dissolution of this world and its works, we should be living holy lives and practising godliness (2 Pet. 3:11).

There is a special message for women professing godliness (1 Tim. 2:10). The fashions in women's dress in Paul's day were very different from the ever-changing fashions of today but there is no difficulty in understanding the import of his words. It is not that godly women of today are to wear the fashions of yesterday but their dress should be modest by the standards of the day and fashions which are ugly or harmful should not be followed. Clothes should not be unduly costly or worn with ostentatious jewellery. Many people in the world are concerned for a simpler life today, partly because of the economic difficulties of the western world and partly on account of the tremendous need in the "third world", and Christians should be even more concerned. There are many good works which only women can do effectively and these become women "professing godliness".

We trust that these simple comments on the occurrences of an important word may be used of God to bring our lives more into conformity with the life of our Lord and Master.

C.R. Stoner, Hayes, Kent | Sept 1975
General