Why Godliness Is a Mystery to Many

Why Godliness Is a Mystery to Many

Author: Colin Smith April 17, 2026 Duration: 3:17
Open the Bible UK Daily
ReligionReligion & SpiritualityChristianitySpirituality

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed onin the world, taken up in glory.


1 Timothy 3:16

Godliness—a God-centered life—is not a system or a programme. It is a person. The mystery of a fully God-centered life lies in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The mysteryof godliness is Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is godliness in the flesh. He has lived the God-centered life. And our hope of living a godly life is in Him. Jesus Christ is the object of our faith and the sourceof our life.

Most of us get the first part of that. But let’s focus on the second. Being a Christian is more than believing in Jesus. It is the life of Jesus Christ in you by the Holy Spirit.

Paul speaks about “the word of God fully known”—that is, everything God has for you—“the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints… Christ inyou, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:25-27).

Christ in you! Faith is more than believing Christ. Faith unites us with Christ so that we are in Him and His life is in us. Faith possesses Christ. Faith receives Christ (Jn. 1:12).Faith feeds on Christ (Jn. 6:54). Christ is your life, and “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3-4).

Jesus gave us a wonderful illustration of this: “I am the vine; you are the branches” (Jn. 15:5). Godliness is in Him and godliness flows from Him. It grows in us as we grow in Him.

Jesus Christ is the mystery of godliness. That means your hope of godliness is found in Jesus Christ.


How would you explain in your own words that Jesus Christ is the source of your godliness?


Looking for a moment of calm and clarity in your day? Open the Bible UK Daily offers a brief, thoughtful pause with host Colin Smith. Each episode is a concise reflection designed to fit into the busiest schedule, providing a focused look at scripture and its relevance to everyday life. You'll hear insights drawn directly from the Bible, presented without pretense or lengthy commentary. The delivery by Sue McLeish brings a warm and engaging tone to these daily installments, making complex themes accessible and personal. This podcast is for anyone seeking a regular touchpoint for spiritual encouragement, whether you're well-versed in Christian teaching or simply curious. It’s a daily habit that prioritizes depth over duration, aiming to connect ancient wisdom with modern realities. Tune in for a straightforward exploration of faith that fits right into your morning routine, commute, or quiet moment. The consistent, short format makes it easy to return to day after day, building a rhythm of reflection. Listen to this podcast for a reliable source of perspective and peace, grounded in a traditional text but spoken into contemporary life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
instagram
Open the Bible UK Daily
Podcast Episodes
The Competence of an Effective Christian Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:17
“An overseer must be… able to teach… He must manage his own household well… He must not be a recent convert… He must be well thought of by outsiders.”1 Timothy 3:2–7Paul outlines three areas of core competence for church…
The Character of an Effective Christian Leader [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:12
An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.1 Timothy…
Distinctive #5: Gospel Character [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:52
If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.1 Timothy 3:1The fifth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel character, that is, the character and competence of a Christian leader.…
Is Jesus for People Like You? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:00
God our Saviour... desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…
The Place of Prayer in Public Worship [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:10
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignifie…
Distinctive #4: Gospel Ministry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:50
I urge that supplications... be made for all people.1 Timothy 2:1The fourth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel ministry. We share Christ’s passion for the world.The gospel did not come to us so that it coul…
Affirm God’s Work in You [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:16
The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.1 Timothy 1:14Sometimes all we can see is our sins and our failures. But we also need to affirm what God is doing in us. You are no…
Remember Your Sins Redemptively [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:02
I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.1 Timothy 1:13You may know someone who is bored with their Christian life. There isn’t any joy in it.…
Distinctive #3: Gospel Salvation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:10
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.1 Timothy 1:15The third distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel salvation. We are sinners…
How the Law Can Help You Love [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:54
The whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”Galatians 5:14Christ calls us to live a life of love (Eph. 5:2). The Old Testament law spells out what that means. It means honouring yo…

«123456...10»