Quality of Faith 5: Godliness

I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will 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. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

In his first epistle to Timothy, the apostle Paul gave instructions about the conduct of believers in the church.^[1] He pointed out that the root of this conduct is Jesus Christ. “Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16 NIV; see also Philippians 1:27–28).

In 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Paul ties together conduct and godliness. Conduct^[2] refers to behavior. Godliness refers to the quality of that behavior, and is defined as piety.^[3] To be pious is to show respect towards God and love of His character, and to show this in obedience to His will and devotion to His service. (Webster 1828)

What Paul reiterated to Timothy is that true godliness begins at salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (compare with 2 Timothy 3:14–15). He also stressed that demonstrating godliness is a behavior that should be pursued and performed. Paul instructed Timothy to, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7–8; compare with 2 Peter 1:5–6; 3:11–12). Discipline means to train as if preparing for a competition.

Godliness is not to be worn as a badge of honor or pride. And it is not to be used as a means to gain wealth (1 Timothy 6:3–10). But rather it is one of the qualities that prove we were afforded salvation from the penalty of sin, which is death (2 Peter 1:8–11). We have a prime example of godliness from the Son of God. As Paul stated, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3–8).

FOOTNOTES

1. Church (G1577) ekklēsia — From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): – assembly, church. (Strong, James 1890) ↑

2. Conduct (G390) anastrepho — From G303 and G4762; to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy oneself, that is, remain, live: – abide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used (Strong, James 1890). ↑

3. Godliness (G2150) eusebeia — From G2152; piety; specifically the gospel scheme: – godliness, holiness. (Strong, James 1890) ↑