The Necessary Virtue for Growing in Godliness?

Godliness is no optional spiritual luxury for a few quaint Christians of a bygone era or for some group of super-saints of today. It is both the privilege and duty of every Christian to pursue godliness, to train himself to be godly, to study diligently the practice of godliness.

— Jerry Bridges

Growing in godliness should be a primary pursuit in the life of a believer (1 Tim. 6:11). In fact, Paul tells us that one of the primary functions of grace in the believer’s life is to instruct them to deny ungodliness and to live a godly life (Titus 2:11-13). Peter tells us that growing in godliness keeps believers from being useless and unfruitful in their walk with Christ (2 Peter 1:7-8). It is Peter also who, at the end of this same letter, seeks to motivate the believers to live godly lives in light of God’s coming judgment (2 Peter 3:10-11). From these passages, it is clear that godliness is a big deal.

Now, what exactly is godliness? Godliness, very simply, is living for God. Or, to borrow Paul’s words, “Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him” (2 Corinthians 5:9). It is knowing what is pleasing to God and doing that very thing. Jerry Bridges puts it this way, [Godliness is a] devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him.

So if Godliness is this important, the question must be: How can I grow in godliness?

Paul gives us the answer in these specific words to Timothy “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” (1 Tim. 4:7).

Discipline is the necessary virtue for growing in godliness. Discipline is the Greek word gymnazō. This word conveys the idea of strenuous, rigorous, and grueling training. When Timothy read this term, he would have automatically thought about the gymnasium, a staple in ancient Greek culture. The gymnasium was where men would converge to train for the Greek athletic games. The Greek gymnasium was a place where the strictest of training occurred. Thus, Paul uses a term filled with vivid imagery. The term discipline is also a present-active-imperative. Paul is commanding Timothy to exercise discipline so that godliness will result. Discipline is the necessary virtue for growing in godliness.

The words of Jay Adams are beneficial here,

"The word discipline has disappeared from our minds, mouths, pulpits, and culture. We hardly know what discipline means in modern American society. And yet, there is no other way to attain godliness; discipline is the path to godliness.”

So what exactly are we to discipline ourselves in? Well, there is much that can be said regarding discipline. But for brevity, let’s consider one area we should discipline ourselves. THE WORD OF GOD!

Here are five ways we can discipline ourselves in the Word of God to grow in godliness.

1. Hear the Word
   We live in a day where numerous pulpits have become vehicles for entertainment. Pastors, in an effort to be relevant to the unchurched, have miss-stepped by turning their sermons into self-help seminars and Ted Talks. Good communicators who do not read God’s Word, explain it, and apply it when they step into the pulpit are not worth sitting under. Since hearing the Word of God is a primary means of disciplining yourself for godliness. Make sure that the sermons you hear on Sundays are by men who understand their responsibility to faithfully teach and preach God’s Word. When a pastor faithfully proclaims the Bible, you can be confident that you are hearing God’s Word, which will perform its work in those who believe. (1 Thess. 2:13)
   

2. Read the Word
   At the beginning of the book of Revelation, the apostle John says there is blessing in reading the book of revelation (Rev. 1:3). This principle extends to all scripture. Do you have a designated time to read God’s Word daily? With the hours you have left in the week after sleep, work, and weekly obligations. How much time is devoted to reading God’s Word? You cannot put a premium on immersing yourself in Scripture reading.
   

3. Study the Word
   Acts 17:11 Now these were more nobleminded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Examine means to study thoroughly. While reading the Bible gives us a 30,000ft flyover of the Bible. The study of the Bible opens the door for us to enjoy the richness of the different gems that can only be found on the ground floor.
   

4. Memorize the Word
   Psalm 119:11 Thy word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against Thee. When I think of memorizing the word of God, I think of storing ammunition for the day of battle. As a Christian in a battle, if there is no scripture stored up in your heart. You won’t have any defense when the enemy comes knocking at your door.
   

5. Apply the Word
   James 1:25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man shall be blessed in what he does.”

Thomas Watson put it this way, “Take every word as spoken to yourselves. When the word thunders against sin, think thus: God means my sins; when it presses any duty, God intends me in this. Many put off Scripture from themselves as if it only concerned those who lived in the time when it was written, but if you intend to profit by the word, bring it home to yourselves: a medicine will do no good, unless it be applied.”

Conclusion: You and I live in an ungodly world. If we are to remain effective witnesses for Christ and enjoy communion with Him. Our pursuit of godliness is all the more critical. May you and I be people who discipline ourselves in the Word of God for the purpose of Godliness.