Bible Study
A growth made possible by God alone
To increase in godliness is to become more like God. Such a process begs the question, who is causing the growth?
The Apostle Paul, when writing to his disciple Timothy warned him about men whom he said would be, "...lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power..." (2 Timothy 3:4, 5). These men would have a form of godliness, but it would not be authentic. It is possible to become like the man we detest, as a result of ungodly judgment on our part. However, it is not possible to become like God if we hate Him; to become like God, a person must love Him.
Growing godliness, therefore, must begin by loving God. It is undoubtedly true that a person who behaves like God is like God in behavior. However, there is more to being like God than how we behave. The total man includes motives, attitude, perspective, desires, intellect, emotions, and will. The thing that is most important that we will consider in this blog is the love that we do or do not express toward God. A person can have many reasons for behaving like God. Many of them could be entirely selfish and without any love for Him. In the complete sense, to be like God is to love God.
How do we know if we love God? God is revealed best in His written word, the Bible. We love God if we agree and respond to the Bible commands and precepts because we love its author. The problem arises when we realize that the teachings of the Bible make the philosophies of the world stand on their heads. The true believer comes to understand that the world is contrary to the teachings of Christ. "I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." (John 17:14)
The world hates the authentic Christian as it also hates the authentic church. Similarly, Christians are called out of the world. Through the reception and application of God's word, Christians fulfill their calling." "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth." (John 17:16, 17)
This blog is directed to all those who love Jesus and want to know Him better. If you desire to learn what Jesus taught about and you are lacking good teaching, I'm here to help.
In the Grip of His Grace,
