Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness… – 1 Timothy 3:16
The sixth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centered church is gospel life. How are we to make progress in character and competence? How are we to become the kind of people who will be effective in getting God’s global mission done?
Godliness (a God-centered life) is the central theme of 1 Timothy 4. “Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (4:8). How can we live a godly life?
First, we must beware of false paths to godliness. Paul says, “Some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (4:1). How do these demons lead people away? “Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (4:2). The work of demons is advanced through false teaching in the church!
Paul gives a specific example: They “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods” (4:3). The early world was saturated with sex and food. Life was about the body. Not much has changed.
You can see how some people would say, “Since there is so much sin bound up with sex and food, we are against that. Deny yourself and you will become more godly.” But Paul says, “That’s completely wrong! It’s a false path to godliness. You can’t love God more by enjoying life less.”
Paul reminds us that “everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (4:4).
Ask God to give you discernment about false teachings that might lead you away from a godly life.
