The Power of Godly Living
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Tim McPherson | Bountiful, Utah
I stand amazed at the power of Almighty God: His creative power, His ruling power, His authoritative power, His sustaining power, and His strengthening power. Power, power, power! The word “power” is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible and is mainly attributed to God but is also associated with His blessings to us. The word for power in Greek is “dunamis” (doo-na-mis) meaning FORCE or power. Can you see where we get our present word dynamite? Think of the force and might of an all-powerful God. This article is focused on the power of godly living, or should we say, “the dynamite of godly living”? We will see that a godly life is refreshing, renewing, regenerating, and explosive. Its transforming power is amazing, and not just to us. We could say that “God living in us” must be a powerful life, and dominant enough to influence others toward salvation. We acknowledge the forceful impact it has upon the world for redemption.
Let me begin with a verse familiar to us all, Romans 1:16 (NKJV): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” This amazing life begins through the power of the gospel. It began with a powerful scheme of redemption, a powerful incarnation, a powerful sinless life, Christ’s power in bearing the cross for our sins, and the powerful resurrection from the dead, declaring him to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). On Pentecost, the gospel was poured out with power (Luke 24:49) and His kingdom came with power (Mark 9:1). It is through Christ we find salvation. Salvation! A powerful word that should ring loud and clear to every Christian. We have salvation from damnation but also the sustaining deliverance and strength throughout our life as a Christian. We rejoice to sing the hymn, “There is power in the blood!”
Now let us talk of the power of godly living:
1.) One point that should become vividly clear, is that the power of godly living is the power of living with a guiltless past.
We do not live shackled to our sins anymore nor to the guilt of the past because we have been set free. This freedom has a large bearing on living our life. Our conscience is pure, sin is remembered no more. We rejoice that the past has been forgotten by God: “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12). We should not be tortured by the past because we walk in newness of life. Now, that is the power of godly living! I hope more Christians will stop beating themselves up by remembering the past. If God forgives us, we need to forgive ourselves.
In living a godly life, sometimes we stumble and fall, though we have no desire to continue in sin. We find Christ’s powerful blood accessible and immediately ready to cleanse us as we confess our sins. We have such happiness in living righteously, with complete forgiveness available if we stumble. With a renewed mind we focus on Christ living in us, through us, and with us. The Bible is clear that we dwell in Christ and Christ dwells in us. When we speak of this, it is not a direct personal indwelling, but a unison of heart, mind, and will that bring us together as one spiritually. We live in each other through our harmony, agreement, and compliance to His commandments. Please consider John 14:22 and the question asked by Judas (not Iscariot). He asked how Christ would manifest himself to them. The answer was in John 14:21 and made clearer in verse 23. If Christ is in us, then we live with the presence of God’s favor, and that is powerful over our lives. Imagine the force of godly living to influence the world. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, righteousness, forgiveness, and mercy are abundant. I’m truly a changed person, I have a renewed mind, and in that sense, I am a witness to the world of the power of the gospel. You are self-controlled. The world sees a new you! They do not see a hypocrite but a genuine Christian. They see that godly living is real and can be for all.
The life of freedom from my past involves a new life. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV): “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Godly living brings about tremendous change within, making the past unrecognizable. The world will stand amazed as “big bad Bill is sweet William now.” God’s transforming power! Once a man of sin, harmful to himself, family, and others but is now renewed. He will stop drinking and doing drugs. He will stop carousing with evil companions. His language is not bitter, and a new godly fire fills the heart to love his spouse, to love his children, and to love others. He is a man with self-control and goodness. A man who now gives glory to God. People will ask, “Was this not Saul of Tarsus?” (Galatians 1:23). No, now it is Paul the apostle. Non-Christians see the reform, the power of the gospel, the power that changes life for the better. The gospel changes a person’s heart and in turn produces godly actions. The world will think to themselves, “Look what believing and following the gospel of Christ has done” and “I should investigate for myself this noble life.” They will also think “following God brings happiness and joy” and “my life is falling apart with no real joy, maybe I should find this new life too.” I refer you to what was said of Augustine: “Augustine, great saint of God had lived with a prostitute before his conversion. After he was wonderfully saved, he was walking down the street and this prostitute saw him. She shouted his name and he kept walking. He saw her but kept his eyes straightforward and walked. She continued crying after him and ran after him. And finally, she said, Augustine, it is I. To which he replied, I know, but it is no longer I.”
What a blessing to be totally forgiven and have a guiltless past because of the power of God and the gospel. The world is taking notice, so do not be surprised if they ask you about the gospel. You can then tell them about your conversion and how beautiful your life is through the power of God. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15, KJV).
2.) Next, the power of godly living is the power of a meaningful present!
Our life might have been aimless. Many people suffer feelings of inadequacy, meaninglessness, and unworthiness. We tend to feel insufficient. Other people do not find happiness in the things of the world because they are so transient. That is why many live without a meaningful purpose, but nothing can surpass the power of godly living when it comes to purpose. Your own self-worth becomes acknowledged. God wants you (like Isaiah) to say, “Here I am, send me” (Isaiah 6:8). Your value and contribution for the cause of God is stated in 1 Peter 4:2 (NKJV): “that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.” Your life is then powerful (explosive) with a God-given purpose. I know what I want to do and that is to promote the will of God. My life is lived with Christ in me and now with a purpose of fostering God’s will. I will enlighten others, I will praise a merciful and gracious God, I will uphold all His commandments, I will love for God is love, I will practice compassion, kindness, and goodness, and I will be forgiving and offer the gospel of salvation to others. His will is my will. This verse inspires me: “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, NKJV). This life will involve courage, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV). One commentator stated, “but of power” means power to encounter foes and dangers; power to bear up under trials; power to triumph in persecutions. That is, it is the nature of the gospel to inspire the mind with holy courage.” (Barnes’ Notes on the Bible). People will notice you have “been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). You will speak out courageously, honestly, truthfully, and boldly, with enthusiasm filling your heart, to let others know the will of God. I am reminded of the blind man that was healed boldly stating, “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25).
Along this same line, the power of godly living recognizes the presence of God to strengthen, sustain, and assist us. We are not living without power. In fact, our faith is absolutely trusting in God’s power to keep us. Notice 1 Peter 1:5 (NKJV): “who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” You have the strength through God that enables you to evangelize. Look at what Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV): “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” Also, Paul stated, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (NKJV) “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” Albert Barnes stated, “But also in power – That is, in such power as to convert the soul. The apostle evidently refers not to any miracles that were performed there, but to the effect of the gospel on those who heard it. It is possible that there were miracles performed there, as there were in other places, but there is no mention of such a fact, and it is not necessary to suppose it, in order to see the full meaning of this language. There was great power manifested in the gospel in its leading them to break off from their sins, to abandon their idols, and to give their hearts to God.” Do you want to make the world a better place? Brethren, let us never forget that the Bible is “inspired of God” and thus it is “living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword…” (Hebrews 4:12). In this regard, let us speak it and let it, the words of God, pierce the heart of others as well. You have God and His word by your side and together it is conquering the world.
Paul also stated in 2 Timothy 4:17 (NKJV): “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also, I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” All of life’s struggles need to be taken to our Savior who states, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:4). When Paul was faced with circumstances beyond his control, he realized God’s grace would see him through, 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV): “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Now, that is the power of godly living! Life will give us conflicts, discouragements, heartaches, and grief, but we stand on a solid rock. Temptations are overcome by the strength of God. David acknowledged in 2 Samuel 22:33 (KJV): “God is my strength and power: and He makes my way perfect” and in Psalm 21:13 (NKJV): “Be exalted, O LORD, in Your own strength! We will sing and praise Your power,” and again in Psalm 46:1 (NKJV): He is “a very present help in trouble.” With God’s strength and help, you can then offer this strength of God to others in need of help, encouragement, and comfort. God has brought you through life’s trials, and the world needs this strengthening power, too. They need God, they need the influence of God, and they need the tremendous avenue of prayer through Christ. Help them find this power (God) to live and cope! Let others know of God’s strength.
3.) Lastly, the power of godly living is a life with a fearless future.
Many people fret, worry, stress out, and are filled with anxiety because they fear the future. They might say, “How am I going to handle this? How will I get through this? What will happen now?” But a Christian says, “I don’t know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future.” I’d say that’s pretty powerful! Live free of worry! The Father asks for your prayers because He wants to fulfill them (Matthew 6:25-34). This peace also brings contentment. Paul stated, “I have in all things learned to be content.” The world sees your confidence, assurance, peace, tranquility, and contentment. You are truly “casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). That’s the power of godly living. Again, the world looks with longing eyes to have the “peace which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Will you help the world be at peace inwardly? Will you help the world be at peace rather than war? Our lives are lived in peace among men, and that’s godly living. Jesus stated in Matthew 5:9 (NKJV): “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” What do we offer? We offer peace to the world, too. With the world as chaotic as it is, it surely needs a peaceful Redeemer.
The ultimate power of godly living is the destiny. I’m living for heaven! I’m living for eternal rest. Godly living will bring you power over death and reward you with a resurrection to eternal life with God (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Paul stated in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NKJV): “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” I’ve heard it stated, “If we miss heaven, we have missed it all.” I don’t want anyone to die without heaven as their home. Friends, neighbors, relatives, co-workers, family members, etc.… YOU can be their hope by offering them eternal life through the gospel. Christians see death as a way to victory. Christians have confidence and certainty that a home is prepared for them. 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NKJV): “O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?” Will you help save the lost and dying world? How touching are the words of this hymn we sing:
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
VERSE 1
WHEN IN THE BETTER LAND, BEFORE THE BAR WE STAND
HOW DEEPLY GRIEVED OUR SOULS WILL BE
IF ANY LOST ONE THERE, SHOULD CRY IN DEEP DESPAIR
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
VERSE 2
O LET US SPREAD THE WORD, WHERE-EER IT MAY BE HEARD
HELP GROPING SOULS THE LIGHT TO SEE
THAT YONDER NONE MAY SAY, YOU SHOWED ME NOT THE WAY
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
VERSE 3
A FEW SWEET WORDS MAY GUIDE, A LOST ONE TO HIS SIDE
OR TURN SAD EYES ON CALVARY
SO WORK AS DAYS GO BY, THAT YONDER NONE MAY CRY
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
CHORUS
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
NOR HELP ME THE LIGHT TO SEE
YOU MET ME DAY BY DAY AND KNEW I WAS A-STRAY
YOU NEVER MENTIONED HIM TO ME
In conclusion:
Godly living is amazing because it is earth-changing. We were once wretched sinners but now are infused with the essence of God. The power of your godly life can help change the world as more people turn to God because of your example. The decisions of this world will be affected: abortions will cease as others learn of Christ, habits and vices will cease as people find a new life in Christ, and godly love will flourish among society. Godly living brings hope to the world showing that life on earth is not in vain. It also brings the wonderful expectation of heaven. 1 Timothy 4:8 (NKJV): “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.”
Through godly living, we show the power of Christ in me, the power of a guiltless past, and a new life. I can now live with purpose and the strength of God. I live with peace, contentment, and a living hope. Most of all, I want others to also have this wonderful life. You have something to offer the world. What a powerful sermon your life preaches! 1 John 3:18 (NKJV): “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.” Your godly living affects eternity, and when such a life affects eternity, then I’d say that’s pretty powerful.
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April 2021 | GROW magazine
