…if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials …
Summary: “Why do people suffer?” is a question that has plagued humanity since the first campfire. The next question is, “Will God save me?” Somewhere in here is a question about godliness.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
An odd memory comes to mind when I ask myself this question. Years ago my youngest son (the one who just got married!) was in Boy Scouts and I had accompanied him on a weekend trip to the Scout’s lodge on Mt. Hood.
The lodge is a giant A-frame built on the north side of the mountain above the snow line. Inside is a large open space heated by an enormous wood fireplace in the center of the room. At each side of the open area are the sleeping areas. These are large bunk rooms spread out over two floors.
At the end of a long evening, we settled into our bunks, and the lights went out. Ahhh…. Then the dad in the bunk next to me broke the quiet of the snow-blanketed lodge.
“How can God let good people suffer?”
I honestly had not thought about the question all that much at that point in my life. Still, he seemed in anguish. Why did he ask?
In the middle of the dark, surrounded by who-knows-how-many Scout ears, he told me the tale of his favorite aunt who had become sick and died. If God were real, how was something like that possible?
We chatted for a while in the dark, but he was inconsolable. Nothing I offered made a dent in his shield of resentment. He was determined to be angry at God.
In two stories, Peter mentions someone gets saved from a bad situation. Yet, in both cases (Noah and Lot) there is work and discomfort involved. In no case has God said that he would save someone from their troubles and make certain that there was no discomfort or unpleasantness.
In both stories, some people die, and some people live. Why? What is the difference?
Perhaps the answer is in the word “godly.”
Peter tells us that the “Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.” I know this sounds like something Captain Obvious would say, but it needs to be said: Before God can rescue anybody from a trial, there has to be a trial.
We live in a broken world (Genesis 3:17-19). Trials are a part of life. Just ask Able (Genesis 4:1-16). Sometimes trials knock us on the head until we are dead. Yet even though the body is dead, the reality is quite different. The spirit lives on.
Now I admit it seems I am getting a bit far afield here, but both situations are related. What happens to the spirit after physical death and what happens to a person in this life are related. Death is simply another trial. In both cases, we need to be rescued.
In our earlier discussion of 2 Peter 1:6c (“Godliness”), we examined the underlying concept that makes godliness “godly.” In today’s passage, Peter uses the same Greek root word, meaning reverent, loyal, and dutiful before God.
The people in these stories are what you might call super-godly. Noah and Abraham are extremely devout and obedient. Serving God is their highest priority, and nothing bumps God from that place in their lives. What caused God to save them was their godliness.
Which begs the question, “How many of us qualify as godly?”
It is an interesting question. I have confidence that when my body dies, Jesus will save me from eternal death in the burning lake of sulfur. Not because of my godliness, but because of his (Romans 8:10). But what about this life?
If you need an incentive to live a godly life, this is a good one. Because, as we have seen, the Lord does know how to rescue the godly from trials!
Application: Reading God’s Word every day is a good start on the road to living a godly life.
Food for Thought: What are other benefits from living a godly life?
One benefit is being able to be a reflection of Jesus, to glorify God, to do His will, to do His work, to have a relationship with God, to know Jesus, to have purpose, and then theres the benefit of after this life. ( speaking as if the person living a godly life is already a believer otherwise in the end nothing in the short time matters compared to eternity.
Well said, Mr. T!
Nothing in this life compares to eternity. So true!
In this life, as you point out, nothing compares to knowing Jesus.
Amen!
I would feel much better about this post if I started out stating that I in no way believe that I live a godly life. I try, but I fail. Its easy for me to try and live a godly life when alone in my apartment, when other people get in the mix, that’s when it gets harder (lol). Two benefits I have found, especially in the last year of my life, are that God’s word protects me from myself and I have less fear. When I say God protects me from myself, I mean that I used to very anxious and very angry easily. Now I find if I ask God for help, I begin to remember scriptures’, sometimes the whole thing, sometimes snippets and I spend time trying to remember the whole thing, either way, they calm me down, and remind me that it is ok to feel frustrated, but that God has a way that we should express ourselves.
James 1:19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry
On a similar note, another benefit to living a godly life is less fear. Sometimes I am reminded that the trials and tribulations of this life are truly meaningless when compared to eternity. The things I sometimes get afraid of are not even going to be around later on. Trying to live a godly life reminds me that I’m not here to “secure” a place on Earth for myself or my family. That seems to be where most of my fear comes from, trying to “secure” my place here on Earth.
2 Timothy 1:7 …for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
Chris,
Thank you! You are not alone in having to wrestle with anger. Anger has dogged me in some form much of my life. Like you, as I have grown closer to Jesus, his peace and assurance leaves less and less room for anger.
A year or so ago I wrote a short series on the topic. It begins with a post titled, “Anger’s Cause.” If you are interested you might take a look. At the bottom of each post is a link to the next one.
Thank you, I will take a look at that series.
This is a very good devotional on a tough topic. Well done. Good comments too. I will only add the benefit of knowing Jesus in a growing relationship. That is a strong benefit. The Savior does not call us to rules or a religion, He calls us to Himself. Matthew 11: 28 – 30.
Thank you, Brother!
The passage you referenced is here:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Being called to Jesus rather than “religion” is an important point. I am horrible at being “religious,” but Jesus makes it easy to know Him.
What is the difference between godly and righteous? Can one live a godly life without the Holy Spirit? Is godliness earned by works or credited?
I’ve always assumed that I couldn’t achieve godliness on my own and just like righteousness is by faith. If it is by faith then it’s benefits are: being saved from eternal death/judgement (forgiveness), the Holy Spirit (thus including fruit of the Spirit and empowerment to do things only achieved by the power of the Spirit), adoption AS SONS of God, being restored, the opportunity to live by Christ’s example (daily), joy in service and trials, freedom from continual sacrifices for sins, unity, community.
A,
Thank you for sharing today! You have asked a number of questions which I am willing to offer my thoughts on with this caveat: I am not an authority. The Bible is my authority and I rest on that through the power of God’s Holy Spirit and the redemption of Jesus Christ. So the thoughts I share here are just that; my thoughts. Okay? 🙂
What is the difference between godly and righteous?
Based on what I see the the Greek and in our own English definitions there are two categories of answers. One is secular, the other is faith. The secular view probably varies by culture. “Godly” in this sense is often seen as spiritual at best and pious, or “holier than thou” at worst. “Righteous” tends to be viewed as being right by some set of standards. Being righteous for a Jew will look different than what a Gentile would consider righteous.
However, through the lens of faith in Jesus Christ, these words are a bit different. “Godly” is an expression of reverence and obedience to God as reflected in our understanding of the Bible, Jesus’ teachings, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. “Righteousness” is maintaining God as our number one priority. The Lord’s Prayer begins with “hallowed by thy name” meaning that God’s name is respected and revered above all else.
While the words are similar in meaning, the difference is, as I see it, one of application. Godliness reflects an attitude of the heart. Righteousness is seen in what we say and do.
Can one live a godly life without the Holy Spirit?
From a secular standpoint, yes. But then, people get to define their own sense of “godliness.”
From a Christian standpoint, we do not have to try. Jesus promises to give us his Holy Spirit. (John 14: 16-17)
Is godliness earned by works or credited?
This depends on your definition of godliness. As I have defined it above, it is a matter of the heart. If our hearts are full of anger and bitterness we are probably not being very godly. If our love for Jesus is reflected in our willingness to suffer those who irritate us, then I think we appear more godly both to our Father in heaven and to those around us.
The word “credited” is sometimes applied to righteousness, which is sometimes defined as being right before God.
“I’ve always assumed that I couldn’t achieve godliness on my own and just like righteousness is by faith.”
Again, I would say that the definition of godliness is key. The same for righteousness. In Acts 8:26-40 there is a story about a man who is reading the scriptures but does not understand what he is reading. The Apostle Phillip arrives and is able to answer his questions.
So was the man’s reverence for God and the Scriptures an indication of a godly heart? I think so. Did being baptized change all of his behaviors and attitudes instantly? I doubt it.
What did change was that the man found a representative of God who guided him to a better understanding of his godliness. From a theological perspective we might say that his righteousness before God was changed when he was baptized, but I personally disagree with this approach. Baptism is not a punchcard for getting into heaven. Baptism is a gift to us affirming God’s acceptance and forgiveness.
So what is important?
Is it my definition of godly and righteous that is important? Is it someone else’s? Or, is God the one we should turn to?
Ironically, if I am worried about what you think of me, I am probably not being godly or righteous before God. If I am godly to God and righteous in his eyes, then that is all that matters and social judgments of me do not matter.
These are interesting questions. I hope that me sharing my thoughts is helpful.
Very nice review Brother!
11-03-2021, 2 Peter 2:9a, What are other benefits from living a godly life?
Growth in Christ!
In the Old Testament we see imperfect beings who chose to follow God and grew through their personal sacrifices and suffering. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Job and more. In the New Testament we see Jesus, the 12 Apostles, as they all suffered greatly and are examples of what can be expected as we seek to become more Christlike.
Paul writes of blessings in his pain and sufferings, because they consistently strengthened his faith and allowed him to serve as a strong witness for Christ. ( just as they do today )Telling others and living out the Word of God were Paul’s highest priorities. Suffering provided him many opportunities for growth as he presented his body “as a living sacrifice” for God’s Kingdom. He faithfully ran the race set before him, confident God would be honored through both his life and his death .
Romans 12:1, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 1:19-22, Galatians 2:20
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.”
Paul tells us to become a living sacrifice. We offer all fleshly “evil” desires to God for disposal and ask “Him” to feed our spirits with “His Holiness ” and begin living in His Kingdom to the degree we allow “Him” to mold us into the instrument “He” determines for the mission “He” has preordained for each of us. We allow “Him” to replace our sins with “His Holiness”.
We must learn to see our suffering and sacrifices as opportunities for the faith, power and strengthening growth God is placing in our hearts. Every athlete must endure pain and suffering as they train their bodies to excel in a physical activity. In the military we always said pain was weakness leaving the body. Why would we ever think spiritual growth, the strength to effectively serve our God would be any different? In the past 44 years I have experienced many variations of pain leaving the body, some hurt real bad, others were so much a part of me I was actually afraid of what I would be like without them. I have suffered numerous tragedy’s that took years to get over. In Every case I held onto God because He was all I had left.
Today my wife and I live quietly, serve God at every opportunity and daily spend time with our God in His word and prayer. We have great peace as we try to live according to His will, knowing total perfection will only come when we are with Him.
Romans 8:18, 8:28, 1 Timothy 6:12, Hebrews 5:8, 1 Peter 4:19
Ron,
Thank you for your perspective on this. I like it! Becoming more Christlike is what Jesus wants for us, what the Spirit leads us to, and what makes the Father smile.
Well said!
Jeff,
It is interesting to think of godliness as more of a heart attitude…..
With the man is the Acts 8 reference. It seems like he already believes he just doesn’t know what it is he believes until Philip helps him. He has the reverence already in his heart and upon knowing is able to then follow through with the appropriate action. But that would be contrary to my previous understanding.
Would the benefit then be the desire to be obedient and to live righteously? Would the benefit be that such an attitude leads us to acceptance of the gospel?
God will have to fill us in one day
Is it possible that God wanted Jesus preached to the Ethiopians? This Ethiopian was a court official of Candace, the queen, and it is possible he had been convicted by the Holy Spirit and would spread the word.
John 16:8-13
A,
In response to your comment, “But that would be contrary to my previous understanding.”
In my personal faith journey, I have found that the key to spiritual growth is being willing to let go of my previous understandings. It is not always easy to do, but if we are determined that our current views must be correct then the rest of our life is spent defending those views instead of moving into a deeper and more correct understanding of God’s Truth.
😇