1 Timothy 6:3-4 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Doctrine is according to godliness. The Amplified bible translated "teaching that is in agreement with godliness". The NET bible translates as "knowledge of the truth that is in keeping with godliness"
Yes, a correct doctrine is important, and we need to guard ourselves from false teaching. But we also need to be reminded that the knowledge of the right doctrine is to produce godliness in us. Doctrine is not to satisfy our intellectual pursuit.
Some definition of godliness I found from http://preceptaustin.org
Godliness is a practical awareness of God in every aspect of life.
Godliness is not talking godly but living godly.
Godliness reflects an attitude centered on living out one's life in God's presence with a desire motivated by love for Him and empowered by His grace to be pleasing to Him in all things.
Godliness refers to the true reverence toward God which comes from knowledge. It is a right attitude toward God and His holiness, majesty, and love
Godliness is that inner attitude of reverence which seeks to please God in every thought, word or deed.
Godliness desires to be rightly related to both God and men, and brings the sanctifying presence of God into every relationship of one's life.
You know, Lucifer has knowledge of the right doctrine, but he is proud and will not submit to God. He choose to rebel and he became Satan. So knowledge of the right doctrine alone cannot save us, we need to have the right attitude, the attitude of godliness.
You know, Lucifer has knowledge of the right doctrine, but he is proud and will not submit to God. He choose to rebel and he became Satan. So knowledge of the right doctrine alone cannot save us, we need to have the right attitude, the attitude of godliness.
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Amen Lee. If our salvation depended on the intellectual knowledge of "right doctrine" only, we'd all be in trouble! aha!
Satan may have head knowledge, but what he was not able to do, was apply it. As you pointed out, it was his pride and rebellious nature.
We have to be willing to submit ourselves to God and his word, not just have a 'head knowledge' of it.
Was it Paul (or perhaps it was James) who commented upon being hear-ers only of the Word of God and not do-ers.?
Read or hear, comprehend mentally, comprehend Spiritually, embrace, submit, reflect.
ReplyDeleteSuch is the journey to godliness which is on a high level reflecting Christ. On the highest level it is Christ Himself manifested in an earthen vessel.
A practical and profound mystery.
Amen Rick..
ReplyDeleteChrist being manifested in these weak vessels, is indeed a mystery. I ask myself why he would want to.