Significance of a Form of Godliness in Christian Living

The Significance of Godliness in Christian Living

The concept of godliness is central to Christian living, emphasizing a life of practical piety and devotion to God. According to 1 Timothy 4:8, "godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come" ^[3]. This biblical foundation underscores the importance of godliness in the daily life of a Christian.

Easton's Bible Dictionary defines godliness as "the whole of practical piety" and notes that it encompasses various aspects such as knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience ^[1]. This comprehensive understanding highlights the multifaceted nature of godliness, which is not limited to ritual or external practices but involves a deep, inner transformation.

The biblical text further elaborates on the significance of godliness. In 1 Timothy 6:6, it is written, "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment" ^[7]. This verse suggests that true gain lies not in material wealth but in living a life of godliness coupled with contentment. John Gill interprets "godliness" in this context as encompassing "all the graces of the Spirit of God; as faith, hope, love, fear, &c." and notes that it is "great gain indeed" ^[8]. This interpretation underscores the intrinsic value of godliness in Christian living.

The relationship between godliness and other Christian virtues is also noteworthy. Humility, for instance, is considered a prominent Christian grace, with Christ setting an example of humility for believers (Philippians 2:6-8) ^[2]. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the necessity of humility in the service of God and notes that it is a characteristic of saints ^[5]. The connection between godliness and humility is implicit in the understanding that true godliness involves a humble submission to God's will.

Moreover, godliness is closely related to holiness, which is a fundamental aspect of Christian doctrine. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, holiness "in the highest sense belongs to God" and is a quality that Christians are called to emulate as they are "consecrated to God's service" ^[4]. Torrey's Topical Textbook emphasizes that holiness is commanded in Scripture and is a necessary aspect of worshiping God ^[6]. The pursuit of holiness is thus integral to a life of godliness.

The significance of godliness is further underscored by its eschatological dimension. The promise of "the life which is now, and of that which is to come" associated with godliness (1 Timothy 4:8) indicates that its benefits extend beyond the present life into eternity ^[3]. This eschatological perspective motivates believers to prioritize godliness in their lives.

In Christian tradition, the understanding of godliness has been shaped by various theological perspectives. The Baptist/Reformed tradition, represented by John Gill's commentary, emphasizes the intrinsic value of godliness and its connection to other Christian virtues such as contentment and humility ^{[8, 9]}. The Nonconformist/Puritan tradition, as seen in Matthew Henry's commentary, also highlights the importance of contentment alongside godliness, viewing Christianity as "the best calling in the world" despite its challenges ^[10].

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Godliness — The whole of practical piety (1 Tim. 4:8; 2 Pet. 1:6). "It supposes knowledge, veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience." In 1 Tim. 3:16 it denotes the substance of revealed religion.”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humility — A prominent Christian grace (Rom. 12:3; 15:17, 18; 1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11-13). It is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1 Pet. 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquillity (Ps. 69:32, 33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22). Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). We should be led thereto by a remembrance of our sins (Lam. 3:39), and by the thought that it is the way to honour (Prov. 16:18), and that the greatest promises are made to the humble (Ps. 147:6; Isa. 57:15; 66:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). It is a "great paradox in Ch”
1 Timothy “For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. -- 1 Timothy 4:8”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Holiness — In the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24). (See [280]SANCTIFICATION.)”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
1 Timothy “1 Timothy 6:6 (NASB) — But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”
1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. By "godliness" is not meant any particular grace, but all the graces of the Spirit of God; as faith, hope, love, fear, &c. the whole of internal religion, as it shows itself in outward worship, and in all acts of holiness of life and conversation; and which the doctrine that is according to godliness teaches and engages to; and this is gain, very great gain indeed. A man possessed of true godliness is a gaining, thriving, man: such as are godly, or truly gracious, they are come into good and happy circumstances, and are ”
2 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Peter 1:7: Without which, godliness, or external worship, or a profession of religion, is a vain show; for this is both the evidence of regeneration, and of the truth and power of real godliness; and also the beauty, comfort, and security of Christian society and worship, and without which they cannot be maintained with peace, profit, and honour: and to brotherly kindness, charity: or "love"; that is, to all men, enemies, as well as to the household of faith; and to God and Christ, to his house, worship, ordinances, people and truths. Charity is more extensive in its objects a”
1 Timothy (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Timothy 6:6: From the mention of the abuse which some put upon religion, making it to serve their secular advantages, the apostle, I. Takes occasion to show the excellency of contentment and the evil of covetousness. 1. The excellency of contentment, Ti1 6:6-8. Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of it, merely to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed, and fi”

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