Maximizing the wonders of Godliness! By David Oyedepo
Topic: Maximizing the wonders of Godliness!
Welcome to another impactful week! I hope you were blessed by the last teaching. Today, we shall focus on: Maximising the Wonders of Godliness!
We understand from scriptures that godliness is not a state of perfection but a tireless ‘press’ towards it. It is written: For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1Timothy 4:8). This means that maintaining a life of godliness is a lifelong battle for every believer and we cannot overcome without the fight of faith. Therefore, we must keep pressing because when the press stops, our victory is truncated (Matthew 5:6).It is also important to understand that godliness is a highly profitable two-way virtue that guarantees eternity and ensures all-round profiting on the earth. That is why we must put up a fight against every form of ungodliness or we live under the oppression of sin perpetually.
What, then, are the Wonders of Godliness?
Godliness Guarantees Divine Protection: It takes godliness to dwell in God’s presence where the seal of protection is and where we cannot be assaulted (Psalm 91:1-4, 15:1-3). Joseph was a man that feared God and it was impossible for him to be killed. When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they became indestructible because they were men that feared God.
Furthermore, Daniel feared God, so when he was thrown into the den of lions, he could not be harmed. This means that with the fear of God, the righteous are not permitted to be hurt (Genesis 37:19-27; Daniel 3:16-20, 6:16-23; Psalm 125:1-3; 1 Peter 3:13).
Godliness Guarantees Access to the Peace of God: It is written: And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places (Isaiah 32:17-18). Peace that passes all understanding flows freely into the lives of the righteous because Jesus is the Prince of peace. The Bible says: When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only (Job 34:29). Let’s understand that when God gives us peace, it cannot be disrupted. However, righteousness is our access to that realm of peace (John 14:27; Isaiah 59:8).
Godliness Engenders Fullness of Joy: God’s presence guarantees fullness of joy and righteousness is our only access to His presence (Psalm 16:11; Romans 14:17-22). It is also important to recognise that nothing punctures the joy of the Lord like sin. However, when we walk in righteousness, we operate in joy unspeakable, full of glory. David said: Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit (Psalm 51:8-9, 12). Therefore, it takes godliness to maintain and retain the joy of the Lord in our lives.
Godliness Guarantees Supernatural Wisdom: There are four kinds of wisdom identified in scriptures earthly, sensual, devilish and divine wisdom. However, divine wisdom, which is from God, is superior to others. It is the creative realm of wisdom and it generates solutions at will. That means God’s creative treasures are embedded in His wisdom (James 3:15-17).It is important to understand that it is by the fear of the Lord that we access God’s wisdom, which turns us to a wonder among men (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10; Job 28:7-28). Let’s recognise that men who operated in supernatural wisdom in scriptures were men that feared God. (Genesis 39:9, 41:15-16, 39; Daniel 1:8; 17-20, 5:11). Jesus, the wisdom and the power of God knew no sin and as a result, He possessed supernatural wisdom and commanded mighty works (Matthew 13:54; John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Also Read: The Victorious Family (Part 1) By Pastor Faith Oyedepo
Access to our Redemptive Inheritance: In Genesis 30:33, Jacob entered into the fullness of his inheritance in God through righteousness. It is written: So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. Through godliness, we are guaranteed access to every blessing of redemption. That is why sanctification is a fundamental requirement to fully partake of our inheritance in Christ or they become inaccessible and unrealisable (Acts 20:32, 26:18; Colossians 1:12).
It Engenders Healing and Deliverance: Sickness is regarded as a consequence of sin in scriptures. When Jesus healed the paralytic man, He said, “Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.” Also, after He healed the man that was by the pool of Bethesda, He said to him: “Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee” (Mark 2:1-12; John 5:1-8; 14). Thus, when our sins are forgiven, the consequences must go (John 20:23). However, not everyone that is sick has committed sin (John 9:2-3).
In conclusion, everyone who genuinely walked in the fear of God in scriptures became a wonder among men. This is why we must guard against any pleasure that seeks to rob us of our glorious future (Proverbs 21:17). However, everyone desires to know the value of a product before it is paid for. That is why the value of a product determines the price anyone will be willing to pay. Remember, godliness may be costly but the end result is priceless. Thus, you must be born again to enjoy the wonders of godliness.
Are you born again? If you are not, this is an opportunity to do so. Simply say the following prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!” For further reading, please get my books: Walking in the Newness of Life, Conquering Controlling Powers, The Blood Triumph and Dynamics of Holiness.
I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 01-4548070, 01-4548280; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org; Face book: www.facebook.com/davidoyedepoministries/; Twitter: @DavidOyedepoMin
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