“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.”
1 Timothy 3:16

The definition of godliness that we have been using is: “a lifestyle that consistently reflects the character of God.” This character is perfectly expressed in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul uses the phrase, “Great is the mystery of godliness.” The word great is the source of our English prefix mega, carrying the idea of something large or great in the widest sense. This emphasizes just how important this truth is—a truth that was once hidden but has now been revealed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is essential to understanding a life of true godliness.

This expression, “Great,” stands in sharp contrast to what Timothy would have heard while in Ephesus: “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:28, 34, 35). The worship of Diana was characterized by idolatry and immorality. What a contrast we have before us in our verse! The true character of godliness is seen in the blessed Lord Jesus Christ.

This mystery of godliness is to be held by those who “hold the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience” (1 Tim. 3:9). It refers to the great truth of salvation and righteousness found through Christ, which produces godliness in those who believe.

Paul goes on to remind us that this godliness was perfectly displayed in the incarnation of Christ, in His birth, and in the perfect life that He lived for the glory of God. He was the manifestation of perfect God-likeness.

He was “justified in the Spirit,” meaning that throughout His public ministry the Spirit of God continually vindicated who He was. He was “seen by angels”—before and at His birth, after His temptation in the wilderness, at His resurrection, and even now, as the angels remain subject to Him.

He is “preached among the Gentiles” throughout the world, where multitudes have come to know Him as Lord and Savior. Finally, we read that He was “received up in glory,” referring to His ascension into heaven. He has passed through the heavens (Heb. 4:14–16) and is seated at God’s right hand until His enemies are made His footstool.

True godliness is not only seen in this blessed Man while He was here on earth; He is also the source of the godliness that is to be seen in your life and mine.

Anchor For Today:
Only as we are occupied with Him will the Spirit of God produce this godliness in us. It is truly Christlikeness as we are conformed and transformed into His blessed image.