Psalm 12
“Where are the Godly men?” The ladies in Bible School used to use this verse as they prayed for a life partner. When David wrote this, there seemed to be a crisis of a few who followed God. All throughout the Bible, we see periods when people turned away from God. What are some characteristics of a godly person? Using this Psalm, let’s identify some characteristics of a godly person.
- They Know God – The godly know and follow God. The wicked do the opposite and do not know or follow God’s way.
There are many who say, “I love God, but don’t believe in Jesus”. But according to Scripture, the two are a set. John 14:7 says, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” Do you know Jesus?
- They Are Faithful – Are we characterized by faithfulness?
Even in today’s world, whether it is marriages, work, and especially God, it has become more difficult to find faithful people. But God is faithful to us, even when we fail. “If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself” 2Tim2:13. Are you faithful?
- They are Truthful – This world is full of lies. People talk with “double hearts”, full of backstabbing, and smooth talkers. And its become harder to discern because people are so good at it. Do we speak truth?
The Bible says to speak the truth in love (Eph.4:15). “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.” Are you truthful?
- They Are Humble – opposite of the boastful.
By nature, we do not want to follow God. We want to do our own thing. So many verses in the Bible are written regarding this.
Psalm 18:27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
Psalm 25:9 He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up.
Are you Humble?
- The godly are often Persecuted We don’t like to hear this. We don’t want to believe it. This confuses us, but over and over again, we read similar verses.
Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
2 Timothy 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
But in God’s eyes you are blessed. You will have a reward in heaven worth more than the sufferings of this world. Have you been blessed with persecution?
- The Godly follow His Word
Lots of people use a lot of fancy words to keep people from following God. But His Word will last forever. Not their books, not their smooth talking. Don’t be deceived or get caught up in the world’s standards. The Bible is our foundation to determine truth. Do you follow His Word?
- Narrow – Where are the godly people? There are few.
Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Salvation is narrow. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” Have you entered the narrow way of Jesus? Will you be one of the Godly people?
There will be pressure to follow the crowd. Don’t give in.
The world needs to see and to hear a clear message from us. Let’s pray
(the above is a summary of the message shared with us by Rich Nakamura during our worship time on October 17, 2021)
Japanese Congregational Church 