Being Real
Having a form of godliness…2 Timothy 3:5
The mystery of godliness is simple: our godliness is what God did for us. 1 Timothy 3:16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. In other words, godliness comes from Jesus. The gospel is what Jesus did. God responds to our faith (believing in Jesus) by giving us godliness. The very righteousness of Jesus. Righteousness is a gift; not a reward of faith. But the result of faith.
Genuine godliness comes from God. However, some people have the ability to feign godliness. This fakery will become more prevalent in the last days, 2 Timothy 3:1. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5. We are to avoid these people. They are not who they say they are. They are liars.
This is why Paul instructed Timothy, and the church, to pursue godliness. 1 Timothy 6:11: But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
You are that person of God. This is your pursuit. This is your prayer for yourself, your family and for your church. It is the same prayer Paul prayed: Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints, 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13.
Be real. Be true to yourself. Be patient. While you pursue godliness, Jesus establishes your heart to be blameless in holiness. Stay focused on God. Jesus will do the rest. Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…Philippians 1:6
