Growing the Fruit of Godliness

Outline

3 actions of making every effort to add to your saving faith – godliness

1 Timothy 4:7-8 - … discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 6:11 - But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age…

I. Establish a Proper View of God’s Plan of Salvation

A. Consider what Paul believed

1. We began as Christ’s enemies

Philippians 3:6 - …as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

2. Our works are not enough

Philippians 3:7 - But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss…

3. The cross is a sufficient payment

Philippians 3:8-9 - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith…

B. Fix your eyes on the eternal

Philippians 3:10-11 - …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

II. Pursue Christ Above All

A. Seek to know Christ

Philippians 3:8 - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…

John 17:3 - This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

2 Peter 1:3 - …seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

B. Value Christ’s purpose in your life

Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age…

C. Allow Christ to change you

Philippians 3:15-16 - Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

III. Be an Example to Family and Others

A. In humility, be an imitator of Paul imitating Christ

1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

B. Instruct your children in godliness

Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:2 - The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

C. Cultivate a heart for the lost

Philippians 3:18-19 - For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

D. Patiently wait for the Lord

Philippians 3:20-21 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

- Our church’s theme this year is Hope for Everyday Life…

- this summer we’re doing a series entitled “Hope for Fruitful Service”…

We have discussed the last couple of weeks the need to have moral excellence and the need to apply knowledge to our daily lives.

We saw that compromise is the enemy of moral excellence and that hypocrisy is the opposite of living a life of knowledge.

We are basing our study this summer on this passage, 2Peter 1:1-7. Please turn there in your Bibles this morning, that is page ____183_____ of the back section of the Bible located under the chair in front of you.

- we’re talking this morning about Growing the Fruit of Godliness…

- read 2 Peter 1:1-7,

Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours, by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

There has been a lot written about the need to pursue godliness in the Bible.

1 Timothy 4:7–8 - … discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 6:11 - But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

Titus 2:11–12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

Those verses that we just read are all written Epistles that the Apostle Paul has written. The Apostle Paul serves as a great example for us to consider the Fruit of Godliness.

Turn with me over to Philippians 3:1-21. You can find these verses on page ________ of the back section of the Bible located under the chair in front of you.

As we turn there, I want us to consider some of the reasons that the Apostle Paul is a great example for us to consider when we think about Growing in the Fruit of Godliness.

• - There had been a major change in the life of the Apostle Paul.

• He was known for ravaging the church.

• Galatians 1:13-14, “For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it; 14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.

• He was so sold on Judaism that he was actively pursuing the destruction of those who were followers of Christ because they were enemies of Judaism.

• So Paul set out destroy the churches that were faithful to the teachings of Christ with every ounce of passion that he could have.

• But, after being knocked down by the Holy Spirit and shown that what he was pursuing was not right, he immediately changed his passions.

• So much so that many within the churches were questioning his sincerity.

• Galatians 1:22-23, “I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

• In the end though his conversion was so amazing that people could not be more amazed by the transformation that God had worked in his life.

• Galatians 1:24, “And they were glorifying God because of me.”

• Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Let’s quickly read Philippians 3:1-21 and look for 3 Actions of Making Every Effort to Add to your Saving Faith – Godliness

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;

3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;

16 however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

18 For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ,

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

The first action we must consider as we seek to add godliness …

I. Establish a proper view of God’s plan of salvation

• - As we talked about in the introduction the Apostle Paul was very familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures.

• - He was not just a scholar that had some understanding he was a man that was motivated to live every little detail of his life in a way to be consistent with the laws, rituals, and religious practices.

• - What Paul was missing was the fact that he could never live his life perfectly enough to actually achieve righteousness because of his works.

• - Until God got ahold of his heart and made it clear.

Consider what Paul Believed.

• - Paul’s beliefs had to change.

• - He had to recognize that although he was trying his hardest to appease God, he was still fundamentally a sinner.

• - He had to recognize that in his zeal he was still an enemy of Christ.

1. We began as Christ’s enemies

• - You might not be actively seeking to obliterate all who have a different view of the teachings you hold dear to.

• - That is where Paul was though.

1. Philippians 3:6 - as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

• - Paul was literally on his way to persecute the church because of his sincerity, when God knocked him to the ground in Acts 9, and said to him, “Why are you persecuting me?”

• - Do you see yourself as a good person?

• - Do you judge yourself on a scale of good deeds and bad deeds?

• - Do you seek to minimize the seriousness of needing to have a relationship with God?

• - Let me be clear so all of us can hear this.

• - Without receiving the free gift of salvation as offered by Christ you cannot help but be an enemy of Christ.

• - You can do all the works in the world you want to, but …

1. Our works are not enough

• I’m a pretty good guy. No one ever actually sees me in a bad mood.

• I got a coffee cup this morning that says I am the #1 dad.

• Look at me in church today.

• I might not be the perfect guy, but at least I’m not as bas as my neighbor.

• Circumcised on the eighth day

• An Israelite

• A Benjamite

• A Hebrew of the Hebrews

• Regarding the law BLAMELESS

1. Philippians 3:7 - But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss…

• From if I try hard enough I can be good enough

• To my works can never be enough.

• - But Paul quickly points out that …

1. The cross is sufficient payment

1. Philippians 3:8–9 - More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

• - And I am so thankful for that truth.

• Every single one of us in this room have the same opportunity.

• It is not based on your abilities.

• The Pastors do not have some head start on this.

• No, all of us must recognize that we are dead in our sins.

• We must recognize that none of our good deeds will ever be enough.

• If by faith we will repent of our sin and turn to Him we can be reconciled to God.

If you are here today and you are struggling with whether or not you have accepted Christ as your Savior, today could be the day that you are restored in relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Fix your eyes on the eternal

• - Notice where Paul goes next in his thoughts about his transformation.

Philippians 3:10–11 - …that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

• - Illustration of changes made in people that result in dramatic shift in thinking.

• - If we have been restored to a proper relationship with God because of our salvation we now out to be living with eternity in perspective.

• If heaven is real than should we not be approaching life on earth with that in mind?

• So how do I live out my eternal focus here on earth?

• By making every effort to add to our salvation – godliness.

II. Pursue Christ above all.

• - Have you ever noticed how many things we pursue in life?

• The perfect brisket

• The best round of golf

• Catching the fish of a lifetime

• Getting your kids through school

• Loving our families well

• Having a great marriage

• Raising our kids to love the Lord

• - We ultimately need to …

Seek to know Christ

• - How do I continue to live life with that focus on eternity that we are told to focus on?

• - How do I ultimately know how to live with godliness?

It starts by Knowing God and Jesus Christ who was sent by God.

John 17:3 - This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

• - How do I know Him more?

• - I love Him.

• - I obey Him.

• - I study how He wants me to live my life?

• - I realize that He has given us what we need to be able to live a life defined by godliness.

• - 2 Peter 1:3 …seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

• - This is not like trying to put together your own furniture from a store that sells furniture and meatballs.

• - There is a plan to live a life of godliness and it is found in the Word of God.

• - How can you expect to live a godly life if you are not seeking to understand how God intends you to live life?

As you seek to know Christ it should lead you to…

Value Christ’s Purpose in your life

One of those purposes is to stop living as though you have no relationship with Christ and to start living in a godly way.

Titus 2:11–12 - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,

• - Explain this verse better.

Allow Christ to change you

How do I become more like Christ?

• - I have to let Him change me.

Philippians 3:15–16 - Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Need a solid illustration and application still.

III. Be an example to family and others.

• - We have already seen that Paul was changed in an incredible way.

• - He was now all about passionately living to be more like Christ.

• - As Paul was living in this way, he was pointing others to living like Christ.

In humility, be an imitator of Paul imitating Christ.

• - Have you ever caught your kids imitating you?

• Maybe in the way they get angry?

• Maybe in the foods that they like?

• Maybe in the sports teams or movies they enjoy?

• I once was performing a wedding and one of the family members said to me, I can tell you are from Faith, because all the Faith pastors talk the same way, just like Pastor Viars.

• More…

Well, Paul has become an example of someone we should imitate.

• - Phil 2:3-4 - do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus”

Are you living with an others first approach to life?

• - Expand thoughts on this more.

• - 1 Corinthians 11:1 - Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

If someone imitated you how close would they get to looking like Christ?

Instruct your children in godliness.

• - If you expect others to follow what you say, you better be sure you are modeling the same thing.

• - Are you using the times of correction to point your kids to live a godly life?

• - Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

How will your imitation of Christ help your kids receive the instruction that you are giving them?

2 Timothy 2:2 - The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”

Cultivate a heart for the lost.

• - How are you showing others that they need to care for the souls of them around you?

Philippians 3:18–19 - For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

I believe one of the most effective ways to help my kids see the souls of those around them is to teach them the importance of serving others.

We are all called, like Paul to have a heart for the lost, a heart to share the gospel, a heart to share Christ’s purpose in all of our lives.

Then even as we make every effort to add to our saving faith godliness….

• Every effort to add a godliness that establishes a proper view of god’s Salvation plan

• Every effort to Purpose Christ above all else

• Every effort to be an example before our family and friends so that they might know Christ

Even while we make this a daily effort…

Patiently wait for the Lord.

Why are waiting patiently?

Philippians 3:20–21 - For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.