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RUSSELL SANDERS
7-12-2022
THE SPIRIT-LED LIFE – LESSON 12
GODLINESS (HOLINESS)
The last characteristic of the Spirit-led characteristic of a believer is listed in 2 Peter 1:6 as godliness. This fruit of the Spirit is the Greek word eusebeia (G2150 in Strongs). It means piety, godliness, (godlikeness) and holiness. In fact, the same word for godliness is translated as holiness in Acts 3:12 where the lame man was healed with Peter and John. When people marveled at it, Peter told them that it was not because of his own holiness that the man was healed, but by Jesus.
A godly character grows in us as Holy Spirit works the Word of God into our thinking, our believing, and our verbal confessions made in faith. This character trait of godliness is a living testimony to all those around us.
Holiness is not a standard (system) by which we live in our own effort. It is an outgrowth of the Word within us. I grew up in the “old time Pentecostal” way of “dos and don’ts”, mostly the “don’ts” and we called it holiness. That is not true holiness; it is a legalistic system-controlled behavior. However, the true holiness, or godliness, guides us from within. It is the character of holiness, or Godlikeness, that proceeds from our human spirit as influenced by Holy Spirit and godly living according to His Word.
Romans 12:2 says how it comes about. “And be not conformed to this world, but (instead) be ye transformed (changed) by the renewing of your mind (soul), that ye may prove (demonstrate) what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
The transformation of your spirit (the real you) in turn renews your soul, the thoughts, intellect, will, and choices you make, think, believe, and act out (speak). Your transformed (Holy Spirit-led human spirit) in turn renews or transforms your soul to manifest a godly life. That is true holiness.
It is not just something you do or don’t do. It is who you are.
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