- THE FIRST RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY ADD TO OUR LIVES IS FAITH
2. THE SECOND RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS MORAL EXCELLENCE
3. THE THIRD RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS Knowledge
4. THE THIRD RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS self-control
5. THE fifth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY PURSUE IS Perseverance
6. THE Sixth RUNG THAT WE DILIGENTLY GROW IN IS GODLINESS
Godliness is the reverent awareness of God’s sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the attendant determination to honor him in all one’s conduct.
“1 Tim 2:2b “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
2 Peter 3:11b “what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives” ).
Sanctification, separating oneself from sin & worldliness and growing in holiness & godliness through a conformity with the Holy Spirit.
THOUGHT We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5
WORD The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21, Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:5-6
DEED“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3:17
How do you know you are living a life of Godliness?
OUR FRUIT
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” John 15:7-8
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2:14 & 17
No instead Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:12-13
“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.” Acts 26:20b
Jude 1:3 tells us that contenders of faith labor tirelessly for goodness, righteousness, and holiness.
HOW do we do this?!
HOLY SPIRIT: Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Gal 3:3 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18
HIS WORD: Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
PRAYER: And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Eph 6:18
MENTORS. “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”1 Corinthians 11:1
. But instead, it’s more about the conformity to the character and very nature of God through obedience to His will (jerry Bridges)
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Eph 4:22-24.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Gal 5:22-23
Again.. Against growing a life of godliness with the help of His Spirit, which will bear good fruit.. There is no law. There is no requirement for perfection, b/c Jesus is the perfect sacrifice. Should we go on sinning, No.
Well then, should we keep on sinning so the God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace.Romans 6:1
REPENT-turn away from unhealthy thoughts/attitudes/actions that move us away from Jesus and to move toward Him. In our thoughts, words, and actions.