Before we search Scripture to see what this “form of godliness” might look like for Christians, let me add to 1 Tim. 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:3-4 what Paul told Titus to teach at Crete: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12#). It is the appearance of Christ and all that that involves that will teach us to “live godly” in this present age. We are talking about Romans 6-8, Paul’s basic teaching on “sanctification.” He builds on this in Galatians and Ephesians and Colossians and Peter also builds on Paul’s words there. This is the “mystery” that produces godliness in the lives of believers that was missing from the saints in the OT. Without this we will be seeking to put on a form that may look like Christ but that will have no power!
Now, does the NT give us any idea what this “form” might look like? Yes, but only if we remember that it is produced according to the doctrine that accords with godliness we have already seen.
· In 1 Tim. 2:2 it is to be lived in the society where God has put us, and accords with “a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty (integrity).”
· In 1 Tim. 4:7-8 we see two things. It is not a life build on “profane and old wives’ fables.” In other words, it is not what some might call “common sense” or “tradition” or “the way my mama taught me,” no matter how valuable those things might seem to be. This includes a lifestyle immersed in a focus on the body. Care for the body has a place, a small place in our lives. Exercise to godliness will make us far more useful now and will fit us for eternity.
· In 1 Tim. 6:5-6 we see that godliness is not the same as being comfortable in this life. Sometimes people try to look “holy” (reverent, godly) because it will get them ahead in this life. The opposite is true: godliness with an attitude of contentment (happy with what God has given me) is what the form looks like.
· In 1 Tim. 5:4@ we see that in a Christian household the children and grandchildren show piety by caring for the parents/grandparents.
· In 2 Tim. 3:12# we see that those who live godly will suffer persecution. Paul demonstrated this in 2 Cor. 10-12 when his list of “accomplishments” identifying him as a true apostle were his many sufferings. Those with a “form of godliness” that denies the power of it don’t suffer.
· And finally, now and in the “perilous times” Paul spoke of, the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment (2 Pt. 2:9*). Look for 1 Cor. 10:13 to be evident in the form of godliness.
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