By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction:  Sometimes it is hard to describe the advantages of being a Christian.  It is difficult because the benefits a Christian gains are not the kind of benefits the world considers.  Nevertheless, we will attempt to describe the many advantages of being Godly.

I.  Godliness is profitable:

          A.  For all things (1 Tim. 4:8).  Not only will you have a good life but you will have the promise of a heavenly life (Rom. 2:7).

          B.  For our spiritual well being (2 Pet. 1:3-4).  Christ has given us everything we need to know for our spiritual life through his word.  Within his instructions we find the promises of a better home if we escape the corruption of this world.  

II.  Godliness will benefit us materially.

          A.  Please don’t assume that if you become a Christian God will grant you great wealth.  Rather, God will take care of your necessities in life (Matt. 6:25-33).  Notice God will take care of you if you but him first in your life.

          B.  In fact, God will return benefits in proportion to our service (Luke 6:38).  If you want the Lord to bless you richly, then serve and give to him richly.  If you are a Christian in name only, don’t expect any blessings from the Lord (2 Cor. 9:6). 

III. Godliness will give us a good life.

          A.  1 Pet. 3:10-12 tells us how.

                   1.  Refrain from speaking evil.  Don’t lie!

                   2.  Do good.  Seek and pursue peace.

                   3.  Notice God only hears the godly (John 9:31).

          B. Would you like to increase the good days in your life?  Then honor your parents (Eph. 6:1-3). 

IV.  Godliness will result in mental well being.

          A.  Christians have a peace and happiness that results from their obedience (John 3:17-19).

          B.  If you add contentment to godliness, you have the formula for a worry free life (1 Tim. 6:6-10).  Life is no longer about getting gain, put serving the Lord.  The treasure we seek doesn’t exist on earth (Matt. 6:19-20). 

V.  Godliness even affects our relationships with others.

          A.  If we are godly, we will suffer (2 Tim. 3:12).  This is not an advantage we like to think about. 

          B.  We are privileged to suffer as he suffered (Rom 8:17).  We suffer in this life for Christ’s sake (Phil. 1:29).

Conclusion:  Unfortunately, most of the people in this world do not see these things we discussed as advantages.  The world, which has never experienced the advantages of godliness, would rather live life unto themselves.  For the Christian, we live life in peace (Phil. 4:7).  Perhaps you would too?  If you haven’t put Christ on in baptism...

Last modified: 05/02/08