1. Ps 42:1-2 ~ As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? NKJV

2. Ps 63:1-4 ~ O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. NKJV

3. When Serving God Becomes a Passion: Godliness
2 Peter 1:6 ~ … to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, NKJV
Perseverance is short lived if not accompanied by a sufficient motive.
Godliness is the “passion” to continue …

4. Definition
“that piety which, characterized by a God-toward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him.” ~ Vine
Rather than “God-like-ness” it is “God-toward-ness”.
Godliness is the intense need for God’s favor and approval.

5. 1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness
1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness. 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. NKJV
1 Cor 9:25 ~ Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. NKJV
Temporary - eternal
“gumnazo” - gymnastic

6. 1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness
1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness. 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. NKJV
2 Cor 4:16 ~ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. NKJV

7. 1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness
1 Tim 4:7-8 ~ … exercise yourself toward godliness. 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. NKJV
2 Cor 4:18 ~ we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. NKJV

8. 1 Tim. 6:6-9

9. Godliness begins when self-esteem and worth comes from spiritual things.
When how God looks upon us is the most important thing in our life.
When devotion and service to Him is the highest priority.

10. DAILY CHOICES
1 Tim 2:10 ~ … but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
2 Peter 3:11 ~ Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

11. DAILY CHOICES
Acts 2:42 ~ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Titus 1:1 ~… the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness.

12. 1 John 2:15 ~ Do not love the world or the things in the world.
DAILY CHOICES
2 Cor 7:10 ~ For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.
1 John 2:15 ~ Do not love the world or the things in the world.

13. Psalm 95:1-11
Singing, thanksgiving, joy, recognition of God in creation, kneel before our Maker, His sheep hear His voice, attention to the heart.
Psalm 96:1-13
Proclaiming, Giving, Offering, Holiness, Lord reigns, Judgment in mind

14. The Attitude Behind the Actions!
Lev 10:3 ~ 'By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people I must be glorified.'"
2 Tim 3:5 ~ … having a form of godliness but denying its power.

15. The Attitude Behind the Actions!
Cornelius
Acts 10:2 ~ … a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

16. Titus 2:11-14 ~ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 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.