Come To A Knowledge Of The Truth

A person who desires to live a godly lifestyle does not glory in ignorance rather seeks to know the truth by searching for the truth. It takes discipline to acquire the truth. It takes diligence to implement the knowledge received from the truth.

Therefore, an act of continually obtaining information, yet, not making use of the information is unbecoming of a Christian who wants to live a distinguished lifestyle.

When Paul wrote to Timothy, Paul identified that perilous times (difficult) times will come and he identified many characteristics to look out for during perilous times, one of which

2 Timothy 3:7 (NIV)

…always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Emphasis Mine

2 Timothy was written to Timothy and Christians everywhere. So, as one who has accepted Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior, there are minimum expectations of spiritual growth and maturity as you learn to live the kingdom lifestyle. Now, it will be a disfavor to you and your generation to always learn what the truth is but never get to a place where it becomes your reality such that your life is transformed.

It will not benefit you to learn about the power of God yet renounce its influence over your heart and life. Neither will it benefit you to learn the truth yet, not make it your source of guidance. Amen.

In a nutshell, this is what we are saying. Learning and coming to the knowledge of the truth is a necessary step into living a godly life.  Purpose in your heart to learn the truth, know the truth, accept the power of the truth and allow the truth to be your guide for the glory of the Lord. Amen.

Increase In Godliness

There are behaviors we engage in that lead to increase ungodliness. As one who desires to live an excellent lifestyle, it is important to pursue the route that leads to increase godliness. The bible is very clear about what increases godliness, what decreases godliness, who is a godly person, who is an ungodly person.

The words we speak when we engage in conversations do have an impact on us and the people around us - “godless chatter” as the bible refers to it, leads to more and more ungodliness.

Godless Chatter

2 Timothy 2:16 (NIV)

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

Emphasis Mine

Quarrels

2 Timothy 2:14b (NIV)

Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Emphasis Mine

Foolish and Stupid Arguments

2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NIV)

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Emphasis Mine

Caution!

Proverbs 17:27 (KJV)

He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.

Through the knowledge of the word, we are empowered to live a godly life. A godly life is a Spirit-led life which results in an excellent lifestyle. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the word of God in a person and the product of their life. A godly life is impossible without the word of God in a person. This expression of excellence isn’t without persecution, however, it is possible. In the same vein, the absence of God’s word in a person makes the person ungodly. A goodly person is not a godly person. God is most pleased when we are godly versus goodly. Amen!

2 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Emphasis Mine

2 Timothy 3:12 (NIV)

In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted.

Emphasis Mine

Seek The Father's Approval

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Emphasis Mine

The word of God is very clear about what the Father approves. When in doubt about what the Father approves or disapproves, the scriptures should be our “go to manual for reference”. An example is 2 Timothy 2:15. A person who desires to live a godly lifestyle is one who is constantly looking for opportunities to know what the Father approves and do it. In this case, “study”; other translations use the words “be diligent”, “work hard”, “do your best” and more. In spite of the translation used, the outcome is the same “follow a cause that the Father approves”. If the Father approves of it, the implication is that it is an excellent route to follow.

A lifestyle of sacrifice is also approved by the Father. As you take steps to live godly and increase in godliness, sacrifices will be necessary. There will be a need to distinguish yourselves in the midst of people and things. Not associating with everyone, not participating in every activity offered and not consuming everything available or offered to them.

Romans 12:1 (KJV)

I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Emphasis Mine.

Daniel distinguished himself by doing likewise. Scriptures records in Daniel 6:3 (NIV)…

Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Emphasis Mine.

Daniel 1:8 (KJV)

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Emphasis Mine.

Does the Father approve of the things you do, the sacrifices you offer, the lifestyle you have chosen to live, the words you speak? Examine your life and make the changes. Amen!

Purpose Driven

2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

But remember this, the Lord will deliver you. Amen.

The manner of persecution may vary from person to person but the reason will be the same – a decision to live godly in Christ Jesus. Remember it says in Christ Jesus. So, be rest assured that you will not be applauded by the crowd as you begin making changes because according to societal norms, you are swimming against the tides.

One of the first steps to excellence will be desiring to live God’s purpose for your life.

Knowing why you were created is a lifelong journey. It is a necessary part of our walk with the Father, not a mysterious one. Understanding God’s purpose for your life can only be possible when you keep company with Him on a consistent basis. It is an imperative and meaningful way of living life. The great men and women of God whom the Father uses to influence our lives this day were people who understood God’s purpose for their lives and functioned in it without shame.

2 Timothy 1:11 (NLT)

And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

Emphasis Mine

This statement was made by someone who understood why he was living on earth.

Paul, was one of such who understood the reason for his creation. Paul functioned in all fivefold ministries. However, this scripture is an example to let us know that it is possible for the living in Christ to know and function confidently in their God-given purpose. That is exactly what Paul did.

The benefits of living a purpose driven life are enormous. A person living a purpose driven life desires to see others do likewise and will encourage others to be purpose driven as well. In many ways, Paul encouraged Timothy, Titus and more to function in their God-given purpose.

2 Timothy 4:5 (NKJV)

 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Emphasis Mine

Titus 1:5 (NKJV)

For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.

Emphasis Mine

Add meaning to your life by living purposefully because God created you for a purpose.

Stepping Into Excellence - The Godly Lifestyle - Introduction

Stepping is the act of taking one step at a time. Excellence is a quality of being outstanding.

Our society offers a variety of lifestyles to choose from. The kingdom of God which is God’s way of doing things and thinking offers one lifestyle – the Godly lifestyle also referred to as the kingdom lifestyle. The Godly lifestyle is a Spirit-led life and it is only available to the believer who makes a choice to live godly. Stepping into excellence will mean stepping into a lifestyle of exceptional qualities and this is only possible and available for the sons of God. It is a life lived from the inside – out by the help of the Holy Spirit. There are many bible characters who took steps to excellence, thereby living lifestyles of exceptional qualities for God’s glory. Examples include but are not limited to Abraham, Moses, Daniel, Paul, Esther, Ruth, Timothy, Mark, etc.

One of the greatest challenge children of God will face while on this earth is saying “No” to mediocrity (the good ways of doing things) and “Yes” to excellence (God's ways of doing things). As children of God, we must settle it with us to live in obedience to our Father through His word and then build our lives upon the foundation of the word. As we do, our battle will not be so much about evil and good but more about “good” and “better or best”. Let’s cease from getting comfortable with where we are, what we do, how we live and press into a higher level which is the level of excellence (which is God’s way of doing things).

Stepping into excellence will require seeking directions through the Word and prayers on how to properly align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives, make up minds to be fruitful and productive, equipping ourselves with resources in order to be a blessing to our generations, refusing to settle for the status quo and pressing-on to do things the godly way, etc.

So join us as we begin this series, stepping into excellence.

Revealing A lifestyle of Excellence - Prayer For You

Father, thank you for teaching us this season using the life of Jethro as an example. He was indeed a man who lived a lifestyle of exceptional qualities. We say thank you, Father, for your word this season because through it, our eyes have been opened to see the benefits of living a godly life by how we represent ourselves. We have been privileged to get a better understanding of the benefits of godly counsel. Also, we have learned how important it is for us to live accountable lifestyles to you, our family and the people around us. And as a way of becoming even more efficient in our duties, our eyes have been opened to see that wearing multiple hats is not unusual and we can get better in the various areas of responsibilities.

Therefore, Father, we declare this day that we are moving from a place of mediocrity to a place of excellence. Excellence in our speech, excellence in our work/duties, excellence in how we carry ourselves and represent you, excellence in our knowledge of who you are, excellence in our study of your word; excellence in whom and what we choose to keep company with; excellence in how we care for our families; excellence in the management and use of resources; excellence in our stewardship; excellence in how we give and receive information; excellence all around.

Father, we are grateful to know that it is possible to live an excellent lifestyle. I declare today that your children will receive grace to grow, excel and prevail. In Jesus Name. Amen. 

Revealing A lifestyle of Excellence - The Power of Efficiency

Jethro was a priest in Midian, he was a father to seven daughters, he was a father-in-law and he was also a grandfather.

-        As a priest in Midian, he served God. He had an intimate relationship with God

-        As a father to seven daughters and family man, he exercised his fatherly responsibilities by showing care and vigilance towards his children and the activities surrounding the home.

-        As a father-in-law, he maintained his rightful place, showed concern for his in law, and offered help where needed.

-        As a grandfather, he made himself available and offered protection to his grandchildren and their mother in the absence of their Father (Moses).

Wearing multiple hats is not unusual as we can see from Jethro’s life. The question to us is this – how efficient are we in the various roles God has entrusted to our care? If you are listening and you are unable to relate with Jethro in this season of your life. The question for you is this; are you seeking opportunities to equip yourself so that you can become even better at the things you do now? It is not enough to be too busy. It is better to be fruitful and productive. Let your impact be felt in your immediate environment and beyond. Touch lives in the best way you can. Make a difference. Narrow down your activities and purpose in your heart to do only what is relevant not just the good things.

Leave a positive print where ever you go. You might decide to visit with a family, when you do, share the love of God with them. You may go to the grocery store to shop, while there, be a blessing by paying for another’s grocery. You might be a parent, besides your mundane duties, raise up exceptional children for the glory of the Lord. Amen.

Jethro brought Moses’ family to him and while there he was able to make a difference in the life of Moses by teaching Moses how to effectively delegate and efficiently manage human resources for God’s glory. As a result, Moses’ leadership style changed for good. Amen.

Revealing A lifestyle of Excellence - The Power of Accountability

Jethro was such an accountable man to his family and to the affairs of God.

The Bible records his actions of accountability to his biological children, to his son-in-law and to his grandchildren.

-When you live an accountable life, your lifestyle becomes an example and Jethro was such an example of someone who lived an accountable life. Amen.

-Living a lifestyle of accountability, will cause others to look up to you and even count on you sometimes when in need.

When Moses had to go to Egypt in order to lead the Israelites out of Egypt as God had commanded him, he could count on his father in- law’s help. Moses’ family stayed with his father-in-law in Midian while Moses comfortably fulfilled God’s assignment in his life during that season.

I can only imagine how much peace filled the heart of Moses knowing that his family was under great care in his absence. For many, it is a difficult decision to entrust the care of your entire family temporarily into the hands of another person. Jethro kept Moses’ family regardless and when the season was over, Jethro handed Zipporah and her children back to Moses.

Can you be entrusted with responsibilities and be guaranteed to deliver great results?

Or are you the kind of person whom when given responsibilities, there is need to check in with you often for fear that you may not deliver as agreed?

Exodus 18:5-6 (NKJV)

And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness, where he was encamped at the mountain of God. Now he had said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.”

As a way of showing accountability to the affairs of God, Jethro offered sacrifices of burnt offerings to God. This was done When Moses updated his father in - law about what God had done for the Israelites - delivering them out of Egypt, so Jethro celebrated God and offered sacrifices of burnt offering to God (Exodus 18:8-12).

You may ask, why is this significant?

It is significant because, as children of God, we have the responsibility to show gratitude to our Father. Learn to say thank you effortlessly. Seek opportunities to say Thank you, Father, for who you are and what you have done. Amen.

My encouragement to you is this, structure your life such that you can be a blessing to your family and the people around you. And also live a lifestyle of a responsible child of God. Amen