Godly Influence
They mystery of godliness unravelled
II Corinthians 1:12
I Timothy 3:16
God-like-ness produces godly influence wherever we go. They took note of Peter and John that they were unlearned men, but that they have been with Jesus. They sounded like Him, acted like Him and behaved like Him. Jesus had a godly influence on their lives and they had a godly influence on their society. They went all over the known world to spread the Good News of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and God worked with them to produce signs and wonders to confirm what they preached! We are called and anointed to do the same in our generation.
I. The mystery of godliness revealed in seven aspects
God in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached to men, believed by men, received in heaven. This process of godliness repeats itself whenever someone gets saved!
II. The mystery of godliness revealed in areas of life
Godly sincerity (II Corinthians 1:12) holy conversation (II Peter 3:1) contentment (I Timothy 6:6) (free from grasping after things!) growing in godliness (II timothy 3:5) brotherly love ( II Peter 1:7)
III. The mystery of godliness revealed in the first church as examples to us
The first church had a great impact on their society: they were enthusiastic about what they believed, they were willing to die for what they believed, they shared things in common, they continued in the doctrine of the apostles, they broke bread from house to house and the Lord added to the church all those who were saved. They exercised themselves in godliness (I Timothy 4:7)
Church – we have the life of Christ within us. His Spirit dwells in us. Let us arise and have a godly influence on our society! Let us encourage others, comfort people, exhort people to come closer to God; let us share the Gospel and save souls, let us lay hands on the sick and see them recover in the Name of Jesus! Let us baptize people and make disciples! Let us teach them all we have learned! Let us cast out demons in His Name! Let us go to other lands to preach the Gospel!
We live in a troubled, broken, depressed and oppressed world – let us exert godly influence on our world – like Jesus and the disciples did! Let us go around doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the devil for God is with us and He has anointed us with power! (Acts 10:38)