As we continue in our series, “Holy Spirit, My Super Helper,” we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is not optional in the life of a believer—He is essential. From the beginning of creation (Genesis 1), the Spirit of God was present, active, and powerful. In the New Testament, Jesus instructed His disciples in Acts of the Apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit before attempting ministry. That alone shows us how vital His ministry is. Last week, we explored how the Holy Spirit helps us win in our character. This week, we move one step further—to godliness.
What Is Godliness?
Godliness is a life of reverence and devotion toward God that results in our character increasingly aligning with Him, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Godliness is not merely external behaviour. It is an inward alignment with God that produces outward evidence. It is devotion that transforms.
Galatians 5:22–25 (NLT), we are reminded that the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control.
We are instructed not only to live in the Spirit, but also to walk in the Spirit—to align step-by-step behind Him. Like soldiers marching in formation, we do not run ahead, nor lag behind. We follow His lead.
Godliness in a Contrary Culture
We live in a generation where ungodliness is normalised and boldly celebrated. Messages from media, culture, and social platforms often encourage:
- “Do what makes you happy.”
- “Live your truth.”
- “Follow your desires.”
But Scripture warns us differently.
In 1Peter 2:9–12, we are reminded:
- We are a chosen people.
- A royal priesthood.
- A holy nation.
- God’s own possession.
We are called out of darkness into His marvellous light—not to blend in, but to shine.
The Word warns us to abstain from worldly desires that wage war against our souls. Godliness, therefore, is deliberate. It is conscious. It is intentional.
Godliness Is Profitable
1 Timothy 4:8, Scripture declares:
“Godliness is profitable for all things, holding promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
This is a trustworthy saying.
The world may suggest that godliness does not matter. It may appear that ungodly living prospers. But God cannot be mocked.
In Epistle to the Galatians 6:7–8, we are told that whatever a person sows, that they will also reap:
- Sow to the flesh → reap corruption.
- Sow to the Spirit → reap everlasting life.
This is not about God punishing believers. Christ bore our punishment. Rather, it is a principle: the flesh produces decay; the Spirit produces life and peace.
Enabled to Live Godly
The good news is that godliness is not achieved by human strength.
In Epistle to the Romans 8:1–4, we learn:
- There is no condemnation for those in Christ.
- The law of the Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death.
- God ended sin’s control over us through Christ.
We are no longer slaves to sin. We are empowered by the Spirit. Godliness is not impossible—it is our new nature in Christ.
Guarding Our Hearts in This Generation
Today’s culture gradually conditions people away from righteousness. Like a frog placed in gradually heated water, subtle compromise can lead to spiritual decline if we are not vigilant.
Scripture urges us to flee temptation and guard our hearts. What we consistently expose ourselves to will influence what we become.
Those dominated by sinful nature think about sinful things. But those controlled by the Spirit set their minds on things that please Him (Romans 8:5).
Godliness grows through:
- Devotion
- Discipline
- Spiritual maturity
- Continual alignment with the Holy Spirit
Just as a soldier learns to march in rhythm through training, believers mature into consistent godly living through practice and obedience.
Partakers of the Divine Nature
In Second Epistle of Peter 1:3–10, we are reminded that:
- God has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
- We are partakers of His divine nature.
- We are to diligently add virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love.
If these qualities abound in us, we will not be unfruitful. Scripture assures us that if we walk in these things, we will not fall.
The Call to Maturity
The purpose of the Church is to bring believers to maturity—to the full stature of Christ. Our speech, conduct, and character should increasingly reflect Him.
Godliness is not outdated. It is not unfashionable. It is eternal.
The fleeting pleasures of sin are temporary. But godliness carries reward:
- Peace
- Stability
- Eternal value
- The presence of God
As Psalm 1 declares, the godly person is like a tree planted by streams of water—fruitful, stable, enduring.
Our Commitment
In this generation, we will:
- Live godly lives.
- Walk in step with the Spirit.
- Resist conformity to worldly patterns.
- Shine as light in darkness.
We are the living epistles the world reads. May our lives reflect the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light.
