Godliness is Profitable for All Things

1 Timothy 4:8

Introduction.

  1. If you were told something was profitable/useful for all things, what would you do?

    1. Would you say, “That’s nice,” and move on?

    2. Or would you find out what that was and try to obtain it?

    3. Godliness is one of those things.

  2. Define “godliness.”

    1. Greek word (εὐσέβεια) – reverence, respect; piety toward God.

    2. It is connected to words meaning to revere or worship, but better.

    3. His grace teaches us to live godly, plus soberly and righteously (Titus 2:11-12).

    4. The only book to use this word more than 2 Peter is 1 Timothy.

  3. 1 Timothy is a book directed toward a young preacher, particularly on proper conduct in the church (1 Tim. 3:15).

    1. We must have a reverence for the Lord, while we are in worship, and in our lives.

    2. This is also a concept we must teach to our children.

  4. Preview: Given, Gotten, Gain.

Body.

  1. Godliness Given.

    1. We use this verse to tell us of the all sufficiency of Scripture (2 Pet. 1:3).

      1. We also talked about this when we mentioned virtue—we are called by glory and virtue.

      2. But now we see that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness.

      3. This was done by His divine power, His miraculous revelation to mankind.

      4. This is the perfect tense which is a past tense, and can indicate an action which stands as a completed result.

      5. So all we need for life and godliness is available for us today.

      6. We don’t need any new revelations to help us be closer to God, not since the first century.

      7. We don’t need any new developments in tradition so that we can be right with God.

      8. All they had from God by the end of the first century was this (Bible).

      9. It is totally sufficient for us to have everlasting life in Him and to be reverential and pious toward Him.

      10. For this reason, along with His great and precious promises, we should diligently add to our faith (virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness).

    2. The doctrine of Christ accords with godliness (1 Tim. 6:3).

      1. KJV says the doctrine is “according to godliness.”

      2. If we are teaching these things (wholesome words, words of Jesus), this will aid in our godliness.

      3. If we do not consent to these words, we are … (1 Tim. 6:4-5).

      4. We are to withdraw ourselves from such people, particularly those who think that such godliness is simply a means of material gain.

      5. One of our points later does state that godliness is gain, but as we’ll see, it is a different kind of gain.

      6. Our attitude toward our godliness (our piety and respect to God) must be sincere and genuine.

    3. The teachings of Christ have been given to us and will lead to a godly life if exercised.

  2. Godliness Gotten.

    1. We get godliness through exercise (1 Tim. 4:7).

      1. Just like with temperance (self-control), we must exercise godliness.

      2. We get the word “gymnasium” from this Greek word for exercise.

      3. In fact, in the next verse (4:8), Paul talks about bodily exercise.

      4. It’s good to exercise, to work out—I certainly need to do more of it.

      5. But there is a greater form of exercise, that of godliness for it is profitable, beneficial, useful for all things.

      6. When we work out, it is exhausting at first, but if we keep at it, it can be rejuvenating.

      7. The more you do it, the better you’ll be at it.

      8. Paul even says to pursue godliness along with several other wonderful traits and to fight the good fight of faith (6:11-12).

      9. And the results! You’ll lose fat and gain muscle, but especially endurance (perseverance). And it could help you live longer.

      10. But these blessings pale in comparison to the blessings found in Christ.

      11. Just as with bodily exercise (which helps a little), we should exercise godliness.

      12. The results include a promise of a life in Christ now and a life with Christ later, and all the rich and wonderful blessings these entail, including being partakers of the divine nature (2 Pet. 1:4).

    2. One way to practice godliness is to do so at home (1 Tim. 5:4).

      1. The word “piety” is the same Greek word translated as “godliness” elsewhere.

      2. In context, Paul is about taking care of widows who, in their culture, could not take care of themselves.

      3. Surely in our culture we have people who cannot take care of themselves, even in our own families.

      4. Here we note that this is alluding to the command to “honor your father and mother.”

      5. The children and grandchildren of the widow is to repay their mother.

      6. She spent so much time rearing her children that she deserves to be repaid for all that work.

      7. That’s the essence of that command: “honor your parents.”

      8. She loved you when you were helpless, so you love her when she is.

      9. In doing so, we are learning to show piety/godliness.

      10. This is a selfless love that is so wonderful and amazing—it is shown to our aging parents, and to our God.

    3. We can learn godliness by having faith, having a desire to do what’s right (virtue), studying the Scriptures (knowledge), exercising self-control, and continually working at it (perseverance).

      1. When we work on these things, we can also exercise godliness.

      2. Learn when to be reverent and when not to be (e.g. a prayer is not a time to joke).

      3. Even when I’m preaching, I might tell a joke, but there are some things I won’t joke about—the Lord must be regarded as holy! (Lev. 10:3).

      4. Practice the selfless love like that of taking care of an aging parent (more on love later).

      5. Be sincere and genuine in your piety and respect toward God.

      6. Teach these things to your children and grandchildren.

  3. Godliness is Gain.

    1. We have talked about the gain concerning the promises of God, partaking in the divine nature, living in Christ now, and living with Christ later.

    2. Paul had warned about godliness being misused as a means of gain (1 Tim. 6:6).

      1. But then he informs Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain!

      2. Paul also told the Philippians that he learned to be content, no matter the circumstances (Phil. 4:11).

      3. If we can do this (and Paul could through Christ who strengthened him) and be godly, then we will have gained so much.

      4. Paul reminds us that sobering truth that we can’t take any of our things with us, and that we should remain content with food and clothing (6:7-8).

      5. He goes on to talk about the dangers of the love of money, of greed, and the sorrow that accompanies it (6:9-10).

      6. The rich may appear blessed, but without Christ they are as miserable as anyone without Him.

      7. The great gain we have is peace of mind, knowing that whatever befalls us here on earth, we have a home in heaven with our Lord.

      8. This is assured when we make our call and election sure by adding godliness to our faith.

      9. And our life in Christ assures us a Christian family that we can lean on when we need it.

    3. While such is great gain, there is a downside (2 Tim. 3:12).

      1. Living godly means persecution is coming.

      2. I don’t know what form that will take, but in this country at this time, I’m thankful that it is not as bad as it is elsewhere in the world today.

      3. Whatever the case, this is why we have a Christian family that we can lean on when times get tough.

      4. At the same time, when we are persecuted, hopefully you have also been working on your perseverance so that you can weather these storms as well.

      5. This is one reason why we are here, to strengthen you and help you get through the rough patches in your life.

      6. And I pray also that you will strengthen others (Heb. 10:24-25).

      7. You may have lost so much in persecution, but you have gained so much as well.

Conclusion.

  1. In closing, consider 2 Pet. 3:11.

    1. This world is temporary—one day it will be destroyed.

    2. It could be 10k years from now, or it could be tomorrow.

    3. It’s all a blip compared to eternity.

    4. So how should we live? For this temporary world or for an eternal one?

    5. Let us exhibit holy conduct and godliness, living for the world that will last forever.

  2. To be godly, we will

    1. recognize where godliness comes from,

    2. obey the doctrine that accords with godliness—the gospel,

    3. exercise godliness even at home,

    4. include contentment, and

    5. be prepared for persecution.

  3. To begin living godly (reverential/pious), we need to first become a Christian.

    1. If you need to obey the gospel this morning, now’s the time!

    2. If you need to repent and return to Him, do so before it’s too late.