GODLINESS: DISCIPLINE AND MATURITY IN CHRISTIANITY
NOVEMBER 26, 2025
TEXT: … and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7b)
Paul, in his epistle to Timothy, tried to contrast between mature and immature believers. Godliness, as the name implies, is simply the act of being like God. Godliness is not something that comes upon a person in a day. You need persistent and consistent manifestation. Apostle Paul was simply trying to emphasise that one requires determination to pursue a life of spiritual maturity. Spirituality is not a tea and bread life. It’s a life that is constantly given to sacrifice, discipline and self-denial.
KEY FACTS ABOUT SPIRITUAL GROWTH
- To grow spiritually, you must be ready to be intentional about your disciplined life. Many want growth with minimal effort, but unfortunately, that is never going to occur. You must build yourself constantly via regular Bible studies, consistent prayer life, obedience even when disobedience seems to be the natural choice, self-control even in the midst of provocation, godly speech seasoned with grace, fellowship with the brethren, etc. All these are essential attributes of a believer and shouldn’t be a mere issue of hobbies or preferences.
- Immature believers flow with carnal excitements, comfort and pleasure, fallacious teachings and indoctrinations, hyper-grace teachings that indulge their bad habits, etc. However, mature believers desire truth, sound doctrines, etc.
- Godliness is thorough and not just an outward manifestation. Your thoughts, heart, etc., must be as godly as your dressing, speaking, etc.
WHAT DO WE STAND TO GAIN FROM GODLY LIVING?
- It gives us guidance and directives in the race of destiny.
- It builds our intimacy with God.
- It helps us to be at peace with those around us and even ourselves (Hebrews 12:14).
SEARCHLIGHT: Godliness is not a virtue meant for pastors alone. Everyone should strive to come to that point of godliness.
PRAYERS: O LORD, give me the grace to live a godly life, in the mighty name of Jesus.
BIBLE READING: Zechariah 14, Malachi 1 & 2, John 20.
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
