Godliness is the first of the three remaining virtues in Peter’s second letter and the subject of the message this morning at church. Peter tells us that we are to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness….” [1:5-6]
Godliness in the Greek is eusebeia and is defined as “that piety which, characterized by a Godward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.” *
I find that definition intriguing. If you look at our English definition of godliness it is “the quality of being devoutly religious; piety.” We have lost something in the translation.
When Peter wrote of godliness, I think he wanted us to understand the fullness found in that Greek word. Not being a Greek scholar, I still see two things of note in eusebeia. The first is the Godward attitude, the second is the action prompted by that Godward attitude—doing things that are well-leasing to God.
Godliness cannot be attempted in our own nature. When that happens, we may end up being devoutly religious, but that religiousness is shackled in legalism and arrogance. Godliness is generated through the Spirit of God. It happens when we develop that Godward attitude – looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our Faith. We keep our eyes on Him, we fall more and more in love with Him every day. We live to please the One we love. That’s true godliness.
*(from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
