Our devotional articles are based on 2 Peter 1:3-11, where Peter urges us to do our best to keep building our Christian character. “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” (2 Pet. 1:5-6).
The English word godliness is popularly thought to mean God-like. Godliness actually means reverence for God, devotion and piety. Like so many theological terms, our word for the week is seen as a noun, an adjective, and also a verb. The Abridged Theological Dictionary of the New
Testament, edited by Geoffrey Bromiley is an excellent standard for Greek word study. Godliness had its origin in the meaning “fear of the gods.” It also included reverence and respect for relatives, rulers, and the law. New Testament writers use the term of both devotion to idols and reverence for the true God (Acts 17:23; 2 Pet. 1:6-7). In our text, Peter is urging us to revere our Creator and serve him with devotion. We must see God for who he is and humbly
follow him and worship him.
Godliness holds promise for this life and the life to come (1 Tim. 4:7), and we are exhorted to pursue it (1 Tim. 6:11).
Stay tuned…
To be a child of God is the greatest privilege we have, but we also have responsibility. May God bless us all as we work with his Spirit to develop the character the Father expects of his children. TC
