THE VALUE OF GODLINESS

                                                            1 Timothy 4:7-8

  Introduction

        A..  A godly life is one of submission, allegiance and service to God.

  B.  There are people who have dedicated their lives to godliness.

        C.   Does such a life pay?  I Timothy 4:7-8

        D..  Four ways in which it pays to be godly.  Let’s consider two of these ways this

              morning:

    I.  It pays materially to live a godly life. 

        A.  Although material gain shouldn’t be our motive, it does pay to live a godly life.

              Matthew 6:33

              1.  God’s word teaches us traits for success.

                    a.  honest.  2 Corinthians 8:21

                    b.  industrious.  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

                    c.  courteous.  1 Corinthians 13:5

                    d.  economical.  John 6:12-13

               2.  These are traits that make for financial success. Illustrate

   II.  It pays physically to live godly. 

         A.  Jesus grew physically. Luke 2:52

         B.  The Bible teaches us practices that promote good health.

               1.  Temperance or self-control.  2 Peter 1:5

               2.  Purity of heart and life.  2 Corinthians 7:1

               3.  Cheerfulness.  Philippians 4:4

               4.  Not to worry.  Matthew 6:25-34

         C.  How these virtues are essential to good physical health:

                1.  Regarding harmful drugs -

                2.  Pertaining to lustful desires -

                3.  Relating to certain passions -

                4.  Regarding certain emotional problems -

  Conclusion:  It does pay to live godly.  More next Sunday morning if the Lord is willing.