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try life ... Tuesday 7th September

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5 v 17 (NIV)

Latest Review
Artist:Bill Hybels
Title:Courageous Leadership

Train yourself to be godly

Speaker: Matt Hails

Notes

We are told to train ourselves to be godly - 1 Tim 4:7. Godliness is a deep respect for God, shown by living in a way that pleases him. A biblical example is Cornelius, Acts 10:1 - 2.

Why should I train to be godly?

  1. It will make me effective and productive as a Christian. 2 Peter 1:5 - 8.

  2. The results and benefits will stay with me into the next life. 1 Tim 4:8.

Other verses encouraging us to go after godliness: 1 Tim 6:6, 11.

Why is it my responsibility?

  1. Godliness doesn't just happen, you have to work at it. 2 Peter 1:3 says "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness", yet v5-7 urges us to "make every effort to add to your faith goodness ..."

  2. It's God who makes us godly, but we have a big part to play. Phil 2:12; 1 Tim 4:15 - 16. Training in godliness is a right response to our salvation. Titus 2:11 -12.

  3. We should help one another - Gal 6:2 - but each of us is responsible for our own life - Gal 6:5.

Application

  1. Give an example of what you consider to be godliness in someone else - either someone you know personally, or someone famous, either historical or contemporary.

  2. Read 2 Peter 1:3 - 8.

  3. In what way(s) do you think you have grown in godliness since you became a Christian? Think of how your attitude towards God has changed in this area, and not merely your beliefs or behaviour. Give thanks to God for these!

  4. Read 1 Tim 4:7 - 8. In what ways do you consider yourself to have already taken responsibility for your own training in godliness? [Perhaps answer this in 2s or 3s] Think of some of the spiritual disciplines where you are achieving something. Don't be intimidated by this question! Answer in general terms if you like.

  5. How would you like to improve? Answer honestly and realistically, but remember that God will help you in what he calls you to! Pray for each other, asking for God's help in the aims you have set yourself.

Posted: 13 Apr 2008