Listen to part 2 of last week’s sermon: Train Yourself To Be Godly found in 1 Timothy 4:1-8.

Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 2 Timothy 3:12, and 2 Peter 1:3

On February 13, 2022, Pastor Eric summarized the message he delivered last Sunday, titled, Train Yourself To Be Godly, which is Part 1 of a 2-part series. He reiterated the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit and embracing His power. Christians should strive to be Christ-like. He also reminded his congregation that, as believers, we should anticipate trials and tribulations in this life. The way we respond to adversity is greatly influenced by our spiritual outlook.

Read 1 Timothy 4:7b

Discipline is an essential part of training and godliness. Gymnazo, which means ‘exercise’ in Greek, refers to physical activities that are performed naked or while wearing a loincloth. During biblical times, people trained in this manner due to their desire to train light, while avoiding anything that would hinder their efforts. It entails working out with a complete physical effort and mental focus, similar to what is expected when working out in a gymnasium.

Someone once said that a

Godly character is not the result of good intentions, wishful thinking, some mystical ‘zap’, or even sheer Bible knowledge. It’s developed through the self-disciplined application of God’s Word at a very basic level, enabled and empowered by God’s Spirit.

Discipline is the key to godliness. To become godly requires both discipline and effort.

Some of us are in search of new revelations, wishing to receive a word from God that will guide us forward. We should all have this desire, but are we applying the things He has already revealed to us in His Word?

In the words of Woodrow Kroll,

The key to godliness is not more knowledge but more obedience.

It is imperative that we act on what we know.

How do we discipline ourselves in order to attain godliness? 

1 – By meditating on God’s Word

Relevant: Is the Bible reliable? If so, how can we be sure?

It is advisable to begin by reading the Scriptures. In order to live a godly life, we must read what Jesus had to say about godliness in His Word. After all, Jesus is our example. We can also study the lives of the godly men and women of the Bible. It is also important to examine how Jesus dealt with difficult and stressful situations. How did He treat people? How did He demonstrate His love and compassion? In what ways did He display mercy and grace? When and how did He show forgiveness? How did He pray? Taking time to read, study, memorize and meditate on the Word of God is an important step toward establishing a godly lifestyle.

Read Psalm 119:105

In the above verse, the lamp is more accurately described as the subtle light of a candle. It implies that visibility is limited. Despite everything surrounding us being dark, the candlelight is providing just enough illumination for us to navigate one step at a time.

Someone once declared,

With enough light to navigate through life, God gives us the direction that we need, not all at once, but as needed.

The Scriptures instruct us on how to live a godly life; they warn us when we stray from the path of righteousness; and they guide us back to a life of faith when we lose our way.

The great evangelist Dwight L. Moody once said,

The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.

2 – Through prayer

Godliness can also be achieved through prayer. When we pray, Jesus’ character will begin to blend with ours.

Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 and 1 Corinthians 15:33

According to Kent Hughes

Prayer is like a time exposure to God. Our souls function like photographic plates, and Christ’s shining image is the light. The more we expose our lives to the white-hot sun of his righteous life, the more his image will be burned into our character.

The Bible states that bad company corrupts good habits. In other words, we are influenced by those with whom we associate. Therefore, as we spend more time with Jesus, the more we will resemble Him.

3 – By guarding our tongue

Discipline is also defined as ‘guarding our tongue’.

Read Psalm 19:14

In situations where we are frustrated or angry and about to react, we should ask ourselves whether the words we are about to speak are acceptable to Jesus.

Read Proverbs 11:9

Since the tongue has the ability to bless and curse, godliness ought to influence our speech. Death and life flow through the mouth.

Read Proverbs 13:3

We must guard our tongues at all times. For some, this may mean refraining from offensive language, and for others, refraining from gossip. However, the time has come to use our tongues to proclaim the Word of God!

4 – By serving others

It is through service that godliness is displayed. Godliness is sharing with others what God has given us through our gifts and talents.

Watch video here.