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