Embracing Godliness: Leadership, Devotion, and Accountability

 

Summary

In my sermon, I addressed the critical issue of godliness within the church, particularly focusing on the role of leadership and the individual believer's responsibility to live a life that reflects a true devotion to God. I began by highlighting the alarming behaviors of some church leaders who have strayed from biblical teachings, engaging in actions that are incompatible with a life of godliness. This includes leaders who have embraced heretical teachings, allowed secular and inappropriate behaviors to infiltrate worship services, and even those who have abandoned sound doctrine for personal gain or popularity.

I emphasized that the primary responsibility of church leadership is to nurture the congregation towards godliness through sound biblical teaching. This is rooted in the example set by the apostles, who prioritized the ministry of the word over practical matters, understanding that addressing spiritual needs is foundational to resolving practical issues. I stressed that leaders must be devoted to God in their personal lives before they can effectively serve in their function within the church.

Furthermore, I discussed the importance of the individual believer's devotion to God, which is essential for living a godly life. This devotion is not merely an activity but a lifestyle of surrender to God's will. It requires a healthy fear of God, being gripped by His love, and a thirst for God that surpasses all other desires. I pointed out that godliness is not about perfection but about consistently applying the teachings of the Bible to real-life situations.

I also addressed the issue of false teachers and godless leaders who gain influence because they cater to the fleshly desires of their followers. I called for a return to accountability and integrity, urging believers to reject leaders who compromise the truth and to embrace those who faithfully teach the word of God.

In conclusion, I encouraged the church to pursue godliness by surrendering to God's power within us, which enables us to live out His truth daily. I reassured the congregation of my own commitment to lead with integrity and faithfulness, free from scandal or manipulation, and dedicated to the sound teaching of God's word.

Key Takeaways:

- True godliness begins with a profound reverence for God, recognizing His majesty and authority. When we lose our fear of God, we open the door to ungodliness and injustice in our lives and communities. A healthy fear of God leads to just actions and decisions, as seen in the life of King David and the early church. [01:36:21]

- Devotion to God is not about fleeting emotional experiences or routine religious activities; it is a continuous lifestyle of surrender to God's will. Our daily choices should reflect our commitment to God, and this devotion is the anchor that enables us to live out our faith authentically. [01:29:06]

- The love of God must be personalized and deeply felt to compel us towards godliness. Understanding the depth of God's love for us, even in our most sinful state, can motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to Him. This love is not abstract but should be evident in our actions and choices. [01:39:53]

- A thirst for God that surpasses all other desires is essential for a devoted life. Just as a deer pants for water, our souls should long for God. When our desire for God is greater than our desire for anything else, we will find the strength to surrender to Him and walk in godliness. [01:41:29]

- The power to live a godly life comes from the Holy Spirit within us. We have been equipped with everything we need to live according to God's will. The challenge is not in our ability but in our willingness to surrender to the Spirit's leading and to apply biblical truth to our lives. [01:25:15]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Titus 1:1 - "Paul, a bond-servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness."
2. 2 Timothy 4:3-5 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
3. 1 Timothy 6:11 - "But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul identify as his primary role in Titus 1:1, and how does he describe his purpose?
2. According to 2 Timothy 4:3-5, what will people do in the last days regarding sound doctrine, and what is Timothy instructed to do in response?
3. In 1 Timothy 6:11, what qualities does Paul urge Timothy to pursue, and why might these be important for a godly life?
4. What examples of ungodly behavior among church leaders were mentioned in the sermon? ([45:43])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul’s identification as a "bond-servant of God" in Titus 1:1 reflect his personal devotion and its importance for church leadership? ([59:37])
2. What does it mean to "endure hardship" as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:5, and why is this significant for maintaining sound doctrine? ([01:12:27])
3. How can the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness in 1 Timothy 6:11 help believers resist the influence of false teachers? ([48:47])
4. Why is it crucial for church leaders to have a personal life devoted to God before they can effectively lead others? ([01:00:51])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you have a healthy fear of God that influences your daily decisions? How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God? ([01:33:31])
2. How can you ensure that your devotion to God is not just an emotional experience but a continuous lifestyle of surrender to His will? ([01:28:32])
3. Think about a time when you were influenced by a leader who compromised biblical truth. How did it affect your faith, and what steps can you take to seek out sound teaching? ([48:47])
4. In what ways can you apply the teachings of the Bible to real-life situations this week, especially in areas where you struggle with godliness? ([01:19:36])
5. How can you support and hold accountable the leaders in your church to ensure they are living and teaching according to godliness? ([01:00:51])
6. Identify one area in your life where you need to surrender more fully to the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to make this surrender a reality? ([01:25:15])
7. How can you develop a thirst for God that surpasses all other desires? What specific actions can you take to deepen your relationship with Him this week? ([01:41:29])

Devotional

Day 1: Reverence for God Shapes Our Conduct
The foundation of godliness is a profound reverence for God, recognizing His sovereignty and holiness. This fear is not about being terrified of God but having a deep respect and awe for His majesty, which influences every aspect of one's life. When individuals truly revere God, their actions and decisions reflect His righteousness and justice. This reverence is a safeguard against the temptations of ungodliness and injustice, guiding believers to live in a way that honors God and His commandments. It is the same reverence that characterized the life of King David, who, despite his flaws, sought to please God and led his kingdom with a heart aligned with God's will. The early church also demonstrated this fear of the Lord, which resulted in communal harmony and the spread of the gospel.

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name." (Malachi 3:16 ESV)

Reflection: How does your reverence for God manifest in your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Day 2: Devotion Beyond Emotion
Devotion to God transcends emotional highs and routine religious practices; it is a continuous surrender to God's will, shaping one's lifestyle and choices. This devotion is not about occasional acts of piety but a consistent, daily commitment to aligning one's life with God's purposes. It is the anchor that steadies believers in the tumultuous seas of life, enabling them to live out their faith authentically. This lifestyle of devotion is not dependent on circumstances or feelings but is a deliberate choice to follow God's commandments and seek His presence in all things. It is a journey of transformation where every decision, big or small, is an opportunity to demonstrate one's love and commitment to God. [01:29:06]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Reflection: What is one daily choice you can make to demonstrate your devotion to God?

Day 3: Personalizing God's Love
The love of God is the driving force that compels believers toward a life of godliness. It is not an abstract concept but a personal and transformative experience that must be deeply felt and understood. When individuals grasp the depth of God's love for them, even in their sinfulness, it motivates them to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him. This understanding of God's love calls for a response that goes beyond words, manifesting in actions and choices that reflect His love to others. It is about making God's love real in one's life by caring for the least of these, forgiving as one has been forgiven, and walking in the way of love as Christ did. [01:39:53]

"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." (1 John 3:16 ESV)

Reflection: How can you embody God's love in a tangible way to someone in your community today?

Day 4: Thirsting for God Above All
A deep longing for God is essential for a life devoted to Him. Just as a deer pants for streams of water, so should one's soul thirst for the living God. This desire must surpass all other cravings and become the driving force behind every pursuit. When God becomes the ultimate desire, strength is found to surrender to His will and walk in godliness. This thirst for God leads to a life of worship, prayer, and seeking His presence above all else. It is about prioritizing one's relationship with God and allowing that relationship to inform and transform every other aspect of life. [01:41:29]

"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God." (Psalm 42:1 ESV)

Reflection: What can you do today to cultivate a deeper desire for God in your life?

Day 5: Empowered by the Spirit for Godliness
The Holy Spirit within believers is the source of power for living a godly life. This divine enablement equips individuals with everything needed to live according to God's will. The challenge lies not in the ability but in the willingness to surrender to the Spirit's leading and to apply biblical truth to everyday life. It is about yielding to the transformative work of the Spirit, allowing Him to produce the fruit of godliness in one's character and actions. This empowerment is a gift, and it is through reliance on the Spirit that believers can overcome the flesh and live in victory. [01:25:15]

"And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules." (Ezekiel 36:27 ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power to live out God's truth?

Quotes

1) "The primary function of the Elder Pastor leader and church is to nurture the people of God through the word of God towards godliness and any leader who understands the ministry of leadership will be devoted to the word of God and the sound communication of it to the God's people period." [01:07:27] ( | | )

2) "We are all called to walk in godliness whether you got saved yesterday or whether you've been saved for 30 years. The only difference is the person that got saved yesterday needs a little bit more progression, need a little bit more grace and mercy right but we all are called to the same standard to live out the truth of God's word in everyday life." [01:21:43] ( | | )

3) "The love of God must be personalized and deeply felt to compel us towards godliness. Understanding the depth of God's love for us, even in our most sinful state, can motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to Him." [01:37:59] ( | | )

4) "Our thirst for God must be greater than our thirst for anything else and so those are the three things that are connected to a Devotion to God. If we want to grow in our devotion to God we got to return to a healthy fear of God." [01:42:10] ( | | )

5) "As your leader, it is my job and my responsibility first and foremost to walk in that myself. That's why you don't have that's why I don't have no scandals right, you can't pull up the rug and find some weird stuff that I've been secretly doing for 13 years while I've been talking about I love the Lord, it ain't there." [01:43:20] ( | | )

6) "Paul a bond servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for that means he is an apostle for the purpose of the church chosen of God in the knowledge of the truth which is in accordance with godliness." [58:33] ( | | )

7) "Godliness is the living out of the faith in real life situations. That's all it is. That when we get sound teaching and we go out into the world, we apply what we have learned from the word of God to every situation in our life." [01:19:36] ( | | )

8) "For the child of God who has the power of the Holy Spirit living in them, that don't even make sense, you can help yourself if you surrender. We have the guide, we have the power, and we need both. The question remains, is will we surrender?" [01:25:15] ( | | )

9) "Devotion to God is not an activity that we enter in and out of, it's a way of life. And the reason that Devotion to God is the anchor of surrender is because it's again, it's foolish to think that we'll choose God without being devoted to him." [01:29:06] ( | | )

10) "The problem is never the power of the word of God, the problem is always will we surrender and godliness is the result of surrendering to the word of God, not simply sitting under the word of God." [01:18:31] ( | | )

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Transcript
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