Denying Ungodliness

God’s grace predates this world.

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:2 Timothy 1:9-10

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.Romans 5:6

This grace teaches us what our everyday heart position should be toward Him.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.Luke 7:36-39

Only by God’s grace, when we surrender our flesh and desires to His strength, can we truly deny ungodliness and worldly lust.

When we recognize our saving grace and sanctifying grace come from the same source, it should cause us to live circumspectly.

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;Ephesians 5:14-18

God wants us to reject and renounce our flesh and its deepest desire.

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.Proverbs 3:7

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.Romans 8:13

We reject ungodliness when we choose to follow God’s ways over our own desires, prioritizing what is right.

He promises a hope that will sustain us until we see Jesus.

Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.2 Peter 3:12-14

Our hope in Christ should drive our behavioral choices as if Christ could appear at any moment.

God’s grace has been around just as long as He has. Trust in it.

A humble heart in submission to God is what’s necessary to fight against our own flesh and the ways of this world.

Our focus on Christ’s coming will renew our perspective and sustain Godly living until we see Jesus face-to-face.