Pursuing godliness must be the aim of every believer. Yet godliness is unfashionable today, or just superficial. What is biblical godliness and what are its timeless features- We look at Paul's use of the term in 1 Timothy and borrow from Thomas Watson's excellent list of the features of godliness.

An experienced Pastor speaks to his young friend, with such affection and concern. He wants him to live a life of usefulness and blessing for the Master, aware of the trials ahead. He must have the right priorities and be prepared. Paul prepares Timothy and us.

We like to think we are free- from addiction, bad habits, and free to choose. But experience shows, as always, the Bible is right. It says humanity is born into sin and we are -servants to sin- to our desires and to Satan. Christ said those who -know the truth will be free- to live as we should. We consider how this transformation is possible.

Life for many is just fate, an un-coordinated random set of events. But for every Christian, their God works all things together for good. Paul's famous statement reveals a glorious privilege. Knowing the Divine hand of Providence upon our lives. What peace this gives to bear trials and difficulties in life.

Being given to hospitality and welcoming is a command for all believers given frequently in the New Testament. We are not to forget. We are to be lovers of strangers and lovers of hospitality. In so doing we will become fellow helpers of the truth.

The Lord used one of his final parables to teach both the gracious blessings of knowing God personally and the perils for those who spurn his gracious government. The parable of the pounds illustrates the folly of squandering valuable privileges e.g. the gift of life, an instinct for God and our conscience. What hinders us from willingly bowing the knee to our Creator and the only Redeemer-

The book of Hebrews shows us that Christ's life and death were so much better than the repetitive animal sacrifices that could not take away sin. Christ is now in the presence of God interceding for us. He will soon appear again visibly for his people. What confidence and expectation we can have in his final appearance.

Trials in the Christian life must drive us to our knees and become a catalyst for revival in the soul. David's problems were self-inflicted, arising from poor choices. In great distress he turned to the Lord, encouraging himself in his God. The Lord was gracious, giving him back all that had been taken from him.

Knowing God is our great need. The prophet Jeremiah mourned the state of Judah. He wept because the people did not know their God. They refused to be in relationship with Him. They went without His help. Could this be true of us- Is knowing God the missing link in your life-

Contentment is a state of mind we all desire, but few will experience. The Apostle Paul tells us that after he was converted to Christ, he had to -learn to be content-. Genuine Christian contentment doesn't depend on circumstances but on our nearness to Christ.