Godliness is the kind of life the Lord delights in, and it is what separates true children of God from mere churchgoers. Starting from 1 Timothy 4:7–8, the study showed that godliness is neither instant nor natural to us. It is God’s gift, formed in us by the Holy Spirit, and yet we are told to discipline ourselves for it. Bodily training wins a glory that fades; godliness is profitable for all things. It holds promise for the present life, in contentment, wisdom that keeps us from foolish sin, God’s provision (with Christ Himself as the blessing), usefulness to God and endurance in trials. And it holds promise for the life to come, which is not merely endless existence but the full, unhindered enjoyment of God and His kingdom.
Godliness is a sincere, wholehearted devotion to God that flows from a true knowledge of Him and results in a life pleasing to Him in thought, attitude, word and conduct. Its heart is devotion: the fear of God, the love of God and a desire for God. Without that root, character is like fruit tied onto a tree rather than grown from it. So godliness is not religiosity, moralism or good manners, and it is not self-generated. God has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him, which leaves no room for the excuse “tao lang ako.”