SCRIPTURE
“…train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come…For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God…”[1]
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”[2]
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing…By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples…If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full…You are my friends if you do what I command.”[3]
CALVIN: BOOK ONE, CHAPTER TWO
“By piety I mean that union of reverence and love to God which the knowledge of his benefits inspires. For, until men feel that they owe everything to God, that they are cherished by his paternal care, and that he is the author of all their blessings, so that naught is to be looked for away from him, they will never submit to him in voluntary obedience; no, unless they place their entire happiness in him, they will never yield up their whole selves to him in truth and sincerity.”[4]
REFLECTION
Christ does not bid one come and die without supplying them a Spirit filled delight for godly obedience. The Christian life is one of worship-based obedience. Meaning, at the revelation of Christ, His love and mercy, the human soul is compelled by the Spirit in such a way that affection and duty kiss. Abiding in God by communing with Him through the indwelling Holy Spirit is central toward obedience that bears good fruit. Obedience apart from communion with God is dead works, i.e., idolatry. Therefore, amidst an array of imperfection, grace bears upon the soul burdened by sin. Looking up they behold eyes like flames of fire, and lest fear overcome, the excellence of Jesus’ mercy lifts burdened hearts from despair. The paternal care of the Father intricately molds human ashes into beautiful sculpture. This is piety! It’s not “religious.” Piety is worship. Piety is delightful duty. Piety is obedience which beholds the righteousness given them in Christ, then, with leaning dependence on the Spirit of God, piety is making war against sinful desires of the flesh as an act of worship. While not every act of obedience is an emotionally pleasing experience, one’s past, present, and future acts of obedience are founded and covered by an overall pleasing experience in abiding with God. To be sure, obedience to God does not earn abiding with God, rather, abiding with God stirs up good works in accordance with the will of God in Christ by the power of the Spirit. The burden of sin withers in the face of worship-based piety because satisfaction in abiding and obeying Christ outweighs living in shame and condemnation. In other words, the pursuit of piety is the strengthening of our inner man, namely, to live to Christ for gain beyond comprehension. The struggles and pains of obedience fail to dissuade those in Christ because the reward of Christ is more delightful than avoiding the work. Simply put, worshipful piety is an act of abiding in the excellence of Christ. To be with Him and to be like Him.
PRAYER
Father of glory, have mercy on the Church. Sanctify us by the Spirit and make us more like Jesus. Looking to your Word, the author of Hebrews prays, “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”[5]In agreement, I pray, great Shepherd, you who purchased us with your own blood, by your Spirit enable us to walk in a manner worthy of our salvation. Effectually call your church to abide in you. Compel our hearts to desire communion with God above all other things. God, I pray, help us delight in the pursuit of piety. Equip your church to worship in Spirit and truth. Remind us that there is nothing eternally valuable about human accomplishments outside of the will of God. May our hearts behold your goodness, may your excellence teach us humility, and may the mystery of God dwelling in human vessels stir up our affections for worship-based obedience. Help us glorify Jesus by strengthening our delightful resolve to walk piously. May our hearts long and burn for the God and for His will to endeavor upon the earth. Finally, I pray that you would empower every church with eternal longing to be with you. And that from this place our works would be an overflow of abiding in communion with Jesus. Amen.
[1]ESV. English Standard Version. Wheaton, Ill: Crossway, 2001. 1 Timothy 4:7, 8, 10. Print.
[2]Ibid., ESV. Romans 12:1-2.
[3]Ibid., ESV. John 15:5, 8-9, 10-11, 14.
[4]John Calvin, Translated by Henry Beveridge. Institutes of the Christian Religion. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, LLC, 2008. P. 7, 8. Print.
[5]Ibid., ESV. Hebrews 13:20-21.