The Mystery of Godliness

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16 KJV)

Oh, would that the first three words held true today as they did when Paul was among the men who witnessed God manifested in the flesh, justified in the spirit.

Today, there is controversy. Not among the believers – and there are billions of those – though they have not seen. Christ knew of them.

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29 KJV)

Among those believers, some appear not to be working to attain godliness, though that was set out for us to do. And, we were to pray to achieve it with peace.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV)

We women can actually show the godliness we profess.

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. (1 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV)

Our work in God’s service is better than eye catching apparel or the costliest jewelry. When we have those good works to be seen.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. (1 Timothy 4:7-9 KJV)

This is not to discount taking care of our bodies, for they are God’s temple.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV)

Of course, this isn’t Mrs. Tina’s lesson on the Mystery of Godliness – hers was much more in depth and had so very many applicable verses. It never was my intention to attempt to match hers, but to interest my readers – as she did her audience – to seek what God has given us about godliness in His word. Not only godliness, there are many other good things to seek!

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV)