Taking on God’s character

‘The practice of godliness’ – chapter 5 – a continuation of notes

Two essential aspects of godliness – God centredness – and then from out of that Godlikeness (Christian character). Our devotion and our desire for God is tested in our conformability to His character.

Developing godly character.

1.) Devotion to God is the only acceptable motive for actions that are pleasing to God’ (58)

It is not about, “doing the right thing”, it is about devotion to God.

Genesis 39:9

‘He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except yourself, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”’

Here Joseph refused to sleep with his master’s wife, not simply because she was not his, but because it would be to sin against God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’

‘The fear of consequences may keep us from committing the outward acts of murder or adultery, but only love will keep us from committing murder or adultery in our hearts’ (60) 

Colossians 3:22 ; 1 Peter 2:13; Ephesians 5:21

2.) ‘The power or enablement for a godly life come from the risen Christ’ (60) 

‘As the source of power for godliness is Christ, so the means of experiencing that power is through our relationship with Him.’ (61) – John 15

3.) ‘Though the power for godly character comes from Christ, the responsibility for developing and displaying that character is ours’ (62)  

‘let us then be ever mindful of our entire dependence upon the Spirit of God…let us be ever mindful of our duty “to maintain good works”‘ (64) – George W Bethune

4.) ‘The development of godly character entails both putting off and putting on character traits’ (64) 

‘Surely we must put to death by the aid of the Holy Spirit, the misdeeds of the body. But we must also, again with HIs enablement, clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (65)

5.) ‘We are responsible to exhibit all of the traits of godly character in a balanced fashion’ (66)

6.) ‘Growth in all areas is progressive never finished’ (68)

2 Peter 1:5-6

‘For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness’