“But godliness with contentment is great gain,” 1 Timothy 6:7
By definition, ‘godliness’, means ‘God-fearing’ or revering. The problem with our generation is that ‘there is no fear of God before their eyes,’ Romans 2:18. True God fearing begins with the revelation of His character and attributes as revealed by the Spirit of God in the Word -- Proverbs 9:10. It continues with the revelation of God’s mercy and justice being met together in Christ Jesus (typified by the mercy seat with the blood) -- Psalm 32:6. David pleads not his innocence before God, but the forgiveness of God based on the non-imputing of sin to his account, as grievous as it was -- v. 2. Romans 3:25 uses the term --‘the forbearance of God,’ toward sin yet to be remitted. In Psalm 32:6, the word ‘godly’ has a Hebrew root meaning of ‘mercy.’ Therefore, true godliness is not out of any walk, character, or conduct obligating God to bless, but rather an acknowledgement in humility of one’s constant need for mercy, based on a just satisfaction by the Substitute, Jesus Christ -- e.g. the publican -- Luke 18:13.
The contentment that comes from this revelation of God’s mercy in Christ Jesus is the satisfaction of needing or wanting nothing else than Jesus blood and righteousness as ALL our salvation, redemption, justification, and sanctification. Ye are complete in Him -- Colossians 2:10. -- Ken Wimer, Shreveport Grace Church bulletin, February 11, 2007
1 comment:
I agree that many do not "fear God"
as we should. This taken from a recent S.S. lesson- "Every believer must recognize that the God of the new covenant is the righteous God of the original covenant. His character has not changed. He is still a consuming fire, just as He was at Sinai. We might presume that we can easily take advantage of a God of grace.
If we attempt to do so, however, something sacred dies within us-the
fear of God. As a result, we stop taking off our shoes at the burning bush. Remember, it is we who have changed, not the bush. We
must all persevere amid the difficulties of life, because to do less is to abuse the grace God extended to us. God is too gracious to be taken for granted; too faithful to be ignored; too loving to be rejected."* Amen!!!!
*(Drew J. Gunnells, writer for LifeWay "Explore the Bible"series)
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