Introduction:     We have been studying this passage for a few weeks now and hopefully we are not only learning what spiritual habits we need to be building into our lives. I trust that we are building and that we are applying these truths to our lives. Thus far we have learned that the Highly Effective Christian....1) Practices Spiritual Diligence; 2) Cultivates A Passion For Virtue; 3) Concentrates On Increasing Biblical Knowledge; 4) Develops "Temperance"; 5) Maintains Spiritual Endurance; And we find in verse 6 that we are to add to "patience", "godliness." What is "godliness?" The term refers to responding to God properly with reverence and devotion. It is having a right understanding and response to Who God Is and What God Has Done. It is a desire to have our character transformed to be like the character of God. I believe the point of this, especially in light of the progression of spiritual growth that Peter gives us as we add to our faith; The Christian life is much more that just obeying commands. It is obeying God! We will not grow much as a believer until we understand that we are not engaged in an effort to keep a set of rules, but we are involved in the relationship of relationships.  We are developing a relationship with the Living God! Let's add to our faith..."godliness", a genuine desire to please God. I believe we have a wonderful illustration of the development of this quality in the Old Testament.  Please turn with me to Isaiah 6:1-8. Note first that in verses 1-3 that...

I.          ISAIAH SAW THE LORD

Isaiah's vision of the Lord is significant. First he saw the Lord as...

A.        One Who Is Sovereign (v.1)

Uzziah had been King of Judah for 52 years. His reign had been one of peace and prosperity. Sadly however, he rebelled against God, and in judgment he died a leper, (II

Chronicles 26). In that backdrop, with the earthly throne empty, Isaiah saw a heavenly throne and a heavenly scene exalting the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Isaiah also saw the Lord as... 

B.         One Who Is Served (v.2)

Above the throne of God, angelic beings identified as Seraphim render service to their master. And third, Isaiah saw the Lord as... 

C.        One Who Is Sinless (v.3-4)

The main ministry of the Seraphim seems to be to give continual testimony concerning the character of the Lord. Notice their testimony. They do not cry out...."Love, Love, Love..." Nor is their testimony..."True, True, True..."  It could have been, "Eternal, Eternal, Eternal." No the angelic testimony was, "Holy, Holy, Holy..." Why Holy?  Because that is the centerpiece of God's attributes. He is Holy!!!! Isaiah got a look at the Lord in His Holy glory.  Then he tells how...

II.         ISAIAH SAW HIMSELF

First he had an upward look. Now he takes an inward look.

Only when we see the Lord as He truly is are we ready to see ourselves accurately. Note that Isaiah tells us of... 

A.        His Conviction (v.5)

B.         His Cleansing (6-7)

The altar here symbolizes for us Christ's work at the cross. Placing the coal on the lips

signifies the application of the cross to our lives. Then...

III.       ISAIAH SAW THE NEED

His upward and inward look led to an outward look. God had a mission. God had a message He wanted proclaimed. God needed a messenger and to that Isaiah said...  (v.8)  "Here am I send me." Like Isaiah we need to get a proper view of God. When we do our worship, our walk, and our work for the kingdom will never be the same. The key to Godliness is realizing who God is and what He has done. (Illus: God’s Man). Friend that is what godliness is all about. It's about being God's man, God's lady, God's teenager, God's boy or girl.

Conclusion:       Like Isaiah we need to get a proper view of God. When we do our worship, our walk, and our work for the kingdom will never be the same. Highly effective Christians aren’t concerned with keeping a list of rules. They are concerned with cultivating their relationship with Jesus until it is clear to all that they are God’s child! Could you wear that brand?