Examples of Godliness in the Bible: Inspiring Lessons

In a world that often glorifies wealth, power, and self-interest, the Bible offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to live a truly Godly life. Throughout its pages, we find numerous examples of individuals whose faith, virtue, and selfless actions stand as beacons of inspiration. Before we explore some of these powerful examples of Godliness in the Bible, let’s take a deep dive into the characteristics of God depicted in the Old and New Testament of the Bible.

The Characteristics of God

Omniscience

God is all-knowing. He possesses complete and infinite knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. Nothing is hidden from His understanding. The biblical concept of God’s omniscience is a foundational belief that affirms God’s infinite and perfect knowledge, which sets him apart as the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator who is in complete control of the universe and the affairs of humanity.

“For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” – 1 John 3:20. “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” – Psalm 147:5. The Bible affirms that God has complete foreknowledge, being able to see the future and know all that will come to pass (Isaiah 46:9-10, Acts 15:18). God’s omniscience includes knowing the thoughts and intentions of people even before they are expressed (Psalm 139:1-4, Jeremiah 17:10).

God’s intimate and comprehensive knowledge of each individual person (Psalm 139:1-6, Matthew 10:30). down to the fine details of knowing the number of hairs on each person’s head, indicates his meticulous attention to detail (Matthew 10:30) and his complete knowledge about everything and creature on this earth. God’s comprehensive omniscience makes each and every human accountable for their thoughts, words and actions (Jeremiah 17:10, Hebrews 4:13).

The Relationship Between Divine Omniscience and Free Will

Examples of Godliness in the Bible: Inspiring Lessons

The relationship between divine omniscience and human free will is a complex and longstanding theological debate. However, here are some of the key ways in which the concept of God’s omniscience is understood to relate to human free will:

Compatibility of Omniscience and Free Will: Many theologians have argued that divine omniscience and human free will are not necessarily incompatible. God’s foreknowledge of human choices does not necessarily mean that those choices are not made freely. The idea is that God’s perfect knowledge of the future does not determine or constrain the free choices that humans make. God simply knows what those choices will be.

Preserving Human Responsibility: The belief in both God’s omniscience and human free will is important for maintaining human moral responsibility and accountability before God. If human choices were determined by God’s foreknowledge, it would seem to absolve humans of moral responsibility for their actions. The word of God in the Bible clearly holds humans responsible for their choices. In fact, it was Satan’s plan to impose God’s will on all humankind thus taking away any free will stunting our spiritual evolution and growth. Jesus Christ gave us the gift of eternal life by blotting out our sins and making us white before the glory of God in order for us to return.

Omnipotence

Omnipotence is a form of Godliness referring to the attribute of being all-powerful or having unlimited power and authority. God’s divine power is “almighty” and “nothing is too hard for [him]” (Jeremiah 32:17). He has unlimited power and authority over all creation. There is nothing He cannot do or accomplish according to His will. The creation account in Genesis found in the Old Testament affirms that God brought the entire universe into existence through the sheer power of his word (Genesis 1:1-31). The Bible attributes all of creation to God’s omnipotent power, acknowledging him as the sole source and sustainer of all things (Psalm 33:6, Colossians 1:16-17) creating the world with God’s word.

Omnipresence

God, is not confined by physical limitations and exists simultaneously in all places, seeing and knowing all that occurs. Heavenly Father challenges human awareness on space and time, inviting individuals to ponder the limitless and infinite nature of the divine. Embracing this concept inspires a sense of awe and humility, reinforcing the interconnectedness of all creation and the continuous presence of a guiding, loving power in every aspect of life.

Eternality

God is eternal, having no beginning and no end. He exists outside of time and is not bound by it. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Heavenly Father also gives us the same gift. We can return to him and live with him for all eternity if we are righteous. The unrighteous are fortold to meet spiritual death.

“And now behold, I say unto you, then cometh a death, even a second death, which is a spiritual death; then is a time that whosoever dieth in his sins, as to a temporal death, shall also die a spiritual death; yea, he shall die as to things pertaining unto righteousness. Then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever; and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting destruction, according to the power and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them according to his will.” – Alma 12:16-17

Immutability

God is unchanging. His nature, character, and promises remain constant over time. He is steadfast and reliable, providing a solid foundation for faith. If God changed he would cease to be God. This immutability is to God’s perfection; any change would imply imperfection, either an improvement or a deterioration, which contradicts the idea of God being perfect and complete.

“For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing?” – Mormon 9:9

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” – James 1:17

Holiness

God is perfectly holy, pure, and set apart from all sin and evil. His holiness is the standard of moral perfection and righteousness. “No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.” – 1 Samuel 2:2.

This scripture and many others that speak of God’s holiness collectively depict the holiness of God as an integral aspect of His nature. God’s holiness is a foundation for His interactions with humanity and a model for human conduct. The Bible calls believers to recognize, worship, and strive to reflect God’s holiness in their lives.

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Virtues of Heavenly Father

Love

God is love. His nature is fundamentally characterized by selflessness, God’s love is unconditional love. He loves His creation and desires a relationship with humanity.

Justice

God is just and righteous. He upholds justice and fairness, rewarding righteousness and punishing wickedness. His judgments are always right and true.

Mercy

God is merciful, showing compassion and forgiveness to those who repent. His mercy is a key aspect of His dealings with humanity, offering grace and redemption.

Grace

God’s grace is His unmerited favor towards humanity. It is through grace that He offers salvation and blessings, not based on human merit but on His generosity and love.

Sovereignty

God is sovereign, exercising supreme authority and control over all creation. His will is ultimately accomplished, and He orchestrates all events according to His purposes.

Goodness

God is inherently good. Everything He does is good, and His nature is the ultimate standard of goodness. He cares for His creation and works for the good of those who love Him.

Faithfulness

God is faithful and true to His promises. He is reliable and trustworthy, never failing to fulfill His word.

Wisdom

God is infinitely wise, possessing perfect understanding and insight. His plans and actions are always wise and purposeful, leading to the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

Understanding these characteristics of God helps us develop a deeper relationship with Him and a greater appreciation for His nature. These attributes reveal the majesty, complexity, and profound beauty of God, inviting worship, trust, and obedience.

Godliness in the Bible: Inspiring Examples of Righteous Living

The Bible is filled with inspiring stories and lessons that demonstrate godliness. These examples provide timeless wisdom and guidance for living a life of faith and virtue. Here are some key examples of godliness in the Bible:

Godliness Attributes of Faithfulness and Obedience

Samuel Declares the Right

“And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'” – 1 Samuel 15:22

Samuel 15:22 is a perfect example of what choosing the right looks like. He was faithful to God’s teachings, and Samuel’s knowledge of God and His word gave him the ability to set himself apart from others who were practicing in essence false doctrines. Being a servant of God did involve burning sacrifices, although it was not a substitution for sinning on omission. Godly men simply follow the Lord’s word. Godly living includes obeying the Lord’s wishes instead of trying to cover their sins with a sacrifice.

Noah Stands Strong In Obedience & Faith

Noah’s unwavering faith and obedience to God’s standards, even in a world marked by corruption and sin, made him a beacon of righteousness and the chosen vessel for the preservation of life during the flood.

When God decided to cleanse the earth with a great flood, Noah stood out as a righteous man. Despite the overwhelming odds and the scorn of his contemporaries, Noah faithfully obeyed God’s command to build the ark. His steadfast trust in the divine plan and his willingness to do what was right, even in the face of adversity, exemplify the kind of godliness that pleases the Lord.

Abraham’s Faith & Willingness to Sacrifice

The profound beauty of faith lies in embracing the mystery of godliness, which transcends human understanding and invites a deeper connection with the divine.

Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s call to leave his homeland and his readiness to sacrifice his son Isaac exemplify his profound trust and faith in God. His life is a testament to unwavering faith and trust in divine promises. The story of Abraham and the near-sacrifice of his son Isaac is a profound testament to godly devotion. Abraham’s unquestioning obedience to God, even when asked to give up his beloved child, demonstrates an unwavering faith and a willingness to put God first. This act of radical trust and submission reveals the depth of Abraham’s Godliness and his unwavering commitment to the divine will.

Moses’ Leadership

Moses demonstrated godliness through his leadership in delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. His humility, perseverance, and dedication to God’s commands are hallmarks of a godly leader.

Worship and Devotion:
- David’s passionate worship of God through psalms and music (Psalms)
- Mary’s devotion and humble acceptance of God’s plan for her (Luke 1:26-38)
- The early Christian community’s devotion to prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42-47)
Compassion and Justice:
- The Good Samaritan’s act of kindness and care for the injured stranger (Luke 10:25-37)
- Esther’s courageous intervention to save her people from genocide (Esther 4-7)
- Isaiah’s call for justice, mercy, and humble walking with God (Isaiah 1:16-17, Micah 6:8)
Moral Integrity and Ethical Conduct:
- Job’s steadfast faith and righteousness even in the face of adversity (Book of Job)
- Daniel’s unwavering commitment to his faith, even in the face of persecution (Daniel 1-6)
- The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about righteous living (Matthew 5-7)
Stewardship and Generosity:
- The widow’s offering of her last two coins, demonstrating her generous heart (Mark 12:41-44)
- The early Christian community’s practice of sharing their possessions and caring for one another (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-35)
- Jesus’ teachings on using one’s resources to serve God and others (Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 16:1-13)

Joseph’s Integrity

Despite being sold into slavery and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph remained faithful to God. It was Joseph’s steadfast adherence to his integrity and his knowledge of the truth, despite the trials and temptations he faced which showed great Godliness. This ultimately led him to rise to power in Egypt and fulfilling God’s plan to save his family and many others from famine. His integrity and forgiveness, even towards his brothers who betrayed him, showcases Godly characteristics.

Esther’s Courageous Intervention

When the Jewish people faced the threat of genocide, Esther, a young Jewish woman, courageously intervened to save her people. Despite the personal risk involved, Esther was willing to use her position of influence to stand up for justice for God’s people and protect the innocent.

“Then Queen Esther answered and said, ‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated.'” – Esther 7:3-4.

Her selfless actions and willingness to sacrifice her own safety for the greater good demonstrate the kind of Godly courage and compassion that can transform lives.

Queen Esther’s bravery and wisdom, believed by many to be guided by the Holy Spirit, enabled her to courageously intervene and save her people from a devastating fate.

Daniel’s Unwavering Commitment to Faith

Daniel from the Old Testament is one of my favorite role models of a Godly example in the bible. Daniel had many trials in dangerous situations that effected his daily life. These trials were opportunities for Daniel to stand up and set himself apart from others by staying true to his faith. When taken in by the King of Babylon as a servant Daniel spoke up about the meals and requested that he eats vegetables and water as the meats they were serving were not Kosher (Daniel 1:11-12). Daniel and his men’s health improved, demonstrating God’s favor and the benefits of their faithfulness (Daniel 1:15-16).

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” – Daniel 1:8.

In the face of persecution and threat of death, the prophet Daniel remained steadfast in his devotion to God. His unwavering commitment to prayer and his refusal to compromise his beliefs, even when it meant facing the lions’ den, Daniel stayed committed to his love of God. His faith and submission to God’s will no matter what the outcome may be testifies to his Godly character. Daniel’s example encourages us to stand firm in our faith, no matter the cost.

“If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18.

David’s Heart for God

King David, despite his flaws, had a deep and genuine love for God. His psalms reflect his devotion, repentance, and desire to live according to God’s will, illustrating a heart aligned with godliness. King David, known for his many accomplishments and military victories, is perhaps best remembered for his deep, heartfelt worship of God. The Psalms, which are largely attributed to David, are a rich tapestry of praise, adoration, and humble submission to the Almighty. David’s ability to pour out his soul in worship, even in the midst of personal struggles and national turmoil, serves as a powerful example of godly devotion.

Mary’s Submission

Mary, the mother of Jesus, demonstrated Godliness through her humble acceptance of the will of God to bear the savior. God’s promises to Mary, are primarily found in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke.

God promised Mary several key things through the angel Gabriel:

1. She would conceive and bear a son named Jesus.

2. Her son would be great, the Son of the Most High, and have an everlasting kingdom.

3. The Holy Spirit would come upon her, and her child would be holy, the Son of God.

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” – Luke 1:31-33.

Mary displays her Godly characteristic of Humility Mary throughout her interactions and circumstances in life. Despite being chosen for a significant role in salvation history, she describes herself as a “servant” of the Lord (Luke 1:38). Her humility is also evident in the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), where she praises God for choosing her despite her lowly status. Her willingness to become the mother of the Savior showcases her faith, great love, and submission to God’s will.

Mary’s devotion to God is evident in her actions and words. She participates in religious rituals such as presenting Jesus at the temple (Luke 2:22-24) and offering sacrifices (Luke 2:39). Her presence at significant events in Jesus’ life, such as the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11), underscores her role as a faithful follower of her son.

Jesus’ Perfect Example

Jesus Christ the son of God is the ultimate example of Godliness. His life, teachings, sacrificial death, and resurrection embody perfect obedience, love, and compassion. He is the model of Godliness and his teachings and examples created the largest religion in the world today. Christianity built on the works of Jesus Christ was brought to pass as God’s new laws for the world today. These new examples and laws are to replace the older laws of Moses.

Knowing that he would have to sacrifice himself for the children of the world to be able to return to heaven was not easy by any means. Jesus asks for the cup to be taken from him IF it is his father’s will. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ had to go through a slow and tortured death for us to have eternal life. Jesus Christ embodies Godliness through perfect obedience and boundless love. This exemplifies what it means to be a reflection of God’s own heart on earth.

Living a Christian life is Being a Living Example of Godliness

Living a Christian life entails following the teachings of Jesus Christ, which are centered on love, compassion, humility, and faith. At its core, living as a Christian means embodying these principles in all aspects of life.

The examples of Godliness above teach us that love is the cornerstone of Christian living. Jesus taught that we should love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is not just a feeling but an active choice to care for and serve others, striving for a holy life, and loving those who may be difficult to love.

Secondly, living as a Christian involves showing compassion to those in need. Jesus often showed compassion to the sick, the marginalized, and the sinners. He taught us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and care for the sick (Matthew 25:35-36). A Christian life, therefore, is marked by acts of kindness and mercy towards others.

Thirdly, humility is essential in Christian living. Jesus taught humility by his own example, washing his disciples’ feet and submitting to the Father’s will even unto death (John 13:1-17; Philippians 2:5-8). Humility involves acknowledging our dependence on God and recognizing that all our abilities and blessings come from Him.

Lastly, living a Christian life requires faith and trust in God. Jesus emphasized the importance of faith in God’s promises and power (Matthew 17:20; Mark 11:22-24). This faith includes trusting God in times of trials and uncertainties, knowing that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

In summary, living a Christian life means loving others deeply, showing compassion to those in need, practicing humility in all circumstances, and maintaining unwavering faith in God’s plan and providence. By following these principles, Christians seek to honor God and reflect His love and grace to the world around them.

When we truly live our daily lives in Christ the power of Godliness transforms our hearts, guiding believers toward a deeper relationship with God and a more Christlike existence. Prayer and scripture study is important for the renewal of your mind and soul. It is a habit that we must incorporate into our daily lives. Following the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ leads to wisdom, compassion, and a life rooted in faith and grace.

Conclusion

The examples of godliness discussed in this article as well as in the Bible provide powerful lessons and inspiration for living a life that honors God. By studying these stories, we can learn how to cultivate faith, obedience, integrity, and love in our own lives.