Godliness vs Ungodliness

Transcription

1 Godliness vs Ungodliness By Mark Mayberry 5/18/2008 Introduction Romans 1: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all *ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. (NASB95) Contrasting Verbs The positive verb sebō means to express in gestures, rites, or ceremonies one s allegiance or devotion to deity, to show reverence, to worship. The negative verb asebeō means to violate the norms of a proper or professed relation to deity, to act impiously, to be ungodly. Contrasting Nouns The positive noun sebasma refers to an object of worship, identifying something that relates to devotional activity, devotional object. The negative noun asebeia refers in general is understood vertically as a lack of reverence for deity and hallowed institutions as displayed in sacrilegious words and deeds, ungodliness, impiety. Contrasting Adjectives The positive adjective sebastos is descriptive of that which is considered worthy of reverence, revered, august, as a translation of the Latin Augustus and designation of the Roman emperor. The negative adjective asebēs pertains to violating norms for a proper relation to deity, irreverent, impious, ungodly. Godliness The Verb Sebō The Greek verb σέβω [sebō], occurring 10x in the NT, means to worship [Thomas 4576].

2 BDAG say it means (1) to express in gestures, rites, or ceremonies one s allegiance or devotion to deity, worship; (2) to have a reverent attitude toward human beings, show reverence/respect for. This word occurs 10x in the NT (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7; Acts 13:43, 50; 16:14; 17:4, 17; 18:7, 13; 19:27). Matthew 15: But in vain do they *worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. (NASB95) Mark 7: But in vain do they *worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. (NASB95) Acts 13: Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the *God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God. (NASB95) Acts 13: But the Jews incited the *devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. (NASB95) Acts 16: A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a *worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. (NASB95) Acts 17: And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the *God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. (NASB95) Acts 17: So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the *Godfearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. (NASB95) Acts 18: Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a *worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. (NASB95) Acts 18: saying, This man persuades men to *worship God contrary to the law. (NASB95) Acts 19: Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world *worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence. (NASB95) The Verb Sebazomai The Greek verb σεβάζοµαι [sebazomai], occurring 1x in the NT, from a derivative of sebō, means to fear, specifically, to have reverential awe [Thomas 4573]. 2

3 BDAG say it means to show reverence to, worship. This word occurs 1x in the NT (Rom. 1:25). Romans 1: For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and *worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (NASB95) The Noun Sebasma The Greek noun σέβασµα [sebasma], occurring 2x in the NT, derived from sebazomai, refers to an object of worship [Thomas 4574]. BDAG say it identifies something that relates to devotional activity, devotional object. This word occurs 2x in the NT (Acts 17:23; 2 Thess. 2:4). Acts 17: For while I was passing through and examining the *objects of your *worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. (NASB95) 2 Thessalonians 2: who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or *object of *worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (NASB95) The Adjective Sebastos The Greek adjective σεβαστός [sebastos], occurring 3x in the NT, derived from sebazomai, is descriptive of that which is considered reverend, august, hence Augustus, a Roman emperor [Thomas 4575]. BDAG say it refers to that which is worthy of reverence, revered, august, as a translation of the Latin Augustus and designation of the Roman emperor. This word occurs 3x in the NT (Acts 25:21, 25; 27:1). Acts 25: But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the *Emperor s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar. (NASB95) Acts 25: But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death; and since he himself appealed to the *Emperor, I decided to send him. (NASB95) Acts 27: When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the *Augustan cohort named Julius. (NASB95) 3

4 Ungodliness The Verb Asebeō The Greek verb ἀσεβέω [asebeō], occurring 2x in the NT, derived from asebēs, means to be impious, i.e. to be ungodly [Thomas 764]. BDAG say it means to violate the norms of a proper or professed relation to deity, act impiously. This word occurs 2x in the NT (2 Pet. 2:6; Jude 15). 2 Peter 2: and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would *live *ungodly lives thereafter; (NASB95) Jude to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have *done in an *ungodly *way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. (NASB95) The Noun Asebeia The Greek noun ἀσέβεια [asebeia], occurring 6x in the NT, derived from asebēs, refers to ungodliness, impiety [Thomas 763]. BDAG say in general ἀσέβεια is understood vertically as a lack of reverence for deity and hallowed institutions as displayed in sacrilegious words and deeds: impiety; its corollary ἀδικία refers horizontally to violation of human rights. Louw and Nida say it means to live in a manner contrary to proper religious beliefs and practice to live in an ungodly manner, godlessness. [53.10]. Strong/Thayer say it describes a want of reverence towards God, impiety, ungodliness [763]. This word occurs 6x in the NT (Rom. 1:18; 11:26; 2 Tim. 2:16; Titus 2:12; Jude 15, 18). Romans 1: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all *ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, (NASB95) Romans 11: and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove *ungodliness from Jacob. (NASB95) 2 Timothy 2: But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further *ungodliness, (NASB95) 4

5 Titus 2: instructing us to deny *ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, (NASB95) Jude to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their *ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which *ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. (NASB95) Jude that they were saying to you, In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own *ungodly lusts. (NASB95) The Adjective Asebēs The Greek adjective ἀσεβής [asebēs], occurring 8x in the NT, a compound of the negative prefix and sebō [to worship] is descriptive of that which is ungodly, impious [Thomas 765]. BDAG say it pertains to violating norms for a proper relation to deity, irreverent, impious, ungodly; (a) of persons; of human characteristics. This word occurs 8x in the NT (Rom. 4:5; 5:6; 1 Tim. 1:9; 1 Pet. 4:18; 2 Pet. 2:5; 3:7; Jude 4, 15). Romans 4: But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the *ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, (NASB95) Romans 5: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the *ungodly. (NASB95) 1 Timothy 1: realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the *ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers (NASB95) 1 Peter 4: And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the *godless *man and the sinner? (NASB95) 2 Peter 2: and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the *ungodly; (NASB95) 2 Peter 3: But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of *ungodly men. (NASB95) Jude For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, *ungodly *persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (NASB95) 5

6 Jude to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the *ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. (NASB95) Godliness Is Reflected In Proper Attitude & Actions Godly worshippers were found at Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:42-43). Acts 13: As Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the *God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God. (NASB95) Godly worshippers were found at Philippi (Acts 16:14-15). Acts 16: A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a *worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay. And she prevailed upon us. (NASB95) Godly worshippers were found at Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-4). Acts 17: Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ. 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the *God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. (NASB95) Godly worshippers were found at Athens (Acts 17:16-17). Acts 17: Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was observing the city full of idols. 17 So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the *God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. (NASB95) Godly worshippers were found at Corinth (Acts 18:5-11). Acts 18: But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6 But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles. 7 Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a *worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the leader of the 6

7 synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city. 11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (NASB95) Ungodliness Is Reflected In Improper Attitude & Actions The Ungodly Worship Improper Objects (Acts 17:22-23; 19:23-27; Rom. 1:25; 2 Thess. 2:3-4). Acts 17: So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. 23 For while I was passing through and examining the *objects of your *worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. (NASB95) Acts 19: About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25 these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26 You see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27 Not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be regarded as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world *worship will even be dethroned from her magnificence. (NASB95) Romans 1: For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and *worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. (NASB95) 2 Thessalonians 2: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or *object of *worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. (NASB95) The Ungodly Worship According to Improper Forms (Matt. 15:7-9; Mark 7:6-8). Matthew 15: You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: 8 This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 9 But in vain do they *worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. (NASB95) Mark 7: And He said to them, Rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. 7 But in vain do they *worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. 8 Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men. (NASB95) 7

8 The Ungodly Speak Improper Words (2 Tim. 2:15-18; cf. Acts 13:48-52; 18:12-17). 2 Timothy 2: Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further *ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 men who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. (NASB95) Acts 13: When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the *devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. (NASB95) Acts 18: But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, This man persuades men to *worship God contrary to the law. 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15 but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters. 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17 And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things. (NASB95) The Ungodly Engage in Improper Actions, in Times Past (2 Pet. 2:4-10; Jude 14-15), in Times Present (Jude 3-4), and in Times Future (2 Pet. 3:7-12; Jude 17-21). 2 Peter 2: For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the *ungodly; 6 and if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live *live *ungodly thereafter; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled men 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, (NASB95) Jude It was also about these men that Enoch, in the seventh generation from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with many thousands of His holy ones, 15 to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the *ungodly of all their 8

9 *ungodly deeds which they have *done in an *ungodly *way, and of all the harsh things which *ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. (NASB95) Jude Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints. 4 For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, *ungodly *persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (NASB95) Peter 3: But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of *ungodly men. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! (NASB95) Jude But you, beloved, ought to remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own *ungodly lusts. 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (NASB95) Conclusion Christ Justifies the Ungodly (Rom. 4:1-8). Romans 4: What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the *ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose 9

10 sins have been covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account. (NASB95) Christ Died for the Ungodly (Rom. 5:6-8). Romans 5: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the *ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (NASB95) Christ Converts the Ungodly (Rom. 11:25-27). Romans 11: For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery so that you will not be wise in your own estimation that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; 26 and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove *ungodliness from Jacob. 27 This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins. (NASB95) Christ Governs the Ungodly (1 Tim. 1:8-11). 1 Timothy 1: But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the *ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers 10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. (NASB95) Christ Instructs the Ungodly (Titus 2:11-14). Titus 2: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny *ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. (NASB95) Christ Judges the Ungodly (1 Pet. 4:17-19). 1 Peter 4: For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the *godless *man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right. (NASB95) 10