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FaithMoral

Excellence

Knowledge

Self Control

Perseverance

Godliness

“…applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance,

godliness…”2 Peter 1: 5-6

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Growing InChristian Virtues

Godliness1 Peter 3:8-15

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1 Peter 3:8-15“To sum up, all of you be harmonious,

sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for

evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a

blessing. 10 For, "The one who desires life, to love and see good days, Must keep his

tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. …”

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1 Peter 3:8-15“… 11 "He must turn away from evil

and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. 12 "For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of

the Lord is against those who do evil." 13 Who is there to harm you if you prove

zealous for what is good? …”

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1 Peter 3:8-15“… 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet

with gentleness and reverence;”

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Ungodliness•Denotes an attitude of impurity and rebellion.–Jude 15-19

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Jude 15-19"to execute judgment upon all, and to

convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly deeds which they have done in an ungodly

way, and of all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him."

16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of

gaining an advantage. …"

8

Jude 15-19"… 17 But you, beloved, ought to

remember the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 that they were saying to you, "In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own

ungodly lusts." 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded,

devoid of the Spirit."

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Jude 15-19"16 These are grumblers, finding

fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people

for the sake of gaining an advantage. …"

10

Jude 15-19"16 These are grumblers, finding

fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people

for the sake of gaining an advantage. …"

11

Jude 15-19"16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people

for the sake of gaining an advantage. …"

12

Jude 15-19"16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they

speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.

…"

13

Jude 15-19"16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they

speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an

advantage. …"

14

Jude 15-19"… "In the last time there will be

mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded,

devoid of the Spirit."

15

Jude 15-19"… "In the last time there will be

mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-

minded, devoid of the Spirit."

16

Jude 15-19"… "In the last time there will be

mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts." 19 These are the

ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit."

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Godliness, on the other hand is an attitude which results in an acceptable

relationship with God

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What is Godliness?•Eusebia–“to worship well” “to be very devout"–Vine's•"that piety which, characterized by a God-ward attitude, does that which is well-pleasing to Him"

–Pious conduct done with a desire to please God.

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Godliness - Eusebia•To be genuinely sincere toward God–"Godly sincerity" (2 Cor. 1:12)–As opposed to pretended sincerity •Col. 3:23 “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,”

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Godliness - Eusebia•To be genuinely sincere toward God–There is pious conduct or godliness that is hypocritical•Against which Paul warned – 2 Tim. 3:1-5

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2 Timothy 3:1-5“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men

will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient

to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious

gossips, …”

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2 Timothy 3:1-5“…without self-control, brutal, haters

of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather

than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.”

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Godliness - Eusebia•To be genuinely sincere toward God–There is pious conduct or godliness that is hypocritical•Against which Paul warned – 2 Tim. 3:1-5•Displayed by those who are “lovers of pleasure” rather than “lovers of God”

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What is Godliness?•It means to be holy and devout, living close to God–Devoting our lives to holy living–Called to sanctification•1 Thess. 4:7 “For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification.”

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What is Godliness?•It means to be holy and devout, living close to God–Devoting our lives to holy living–Called to sanctification–Also, a new man characterized by holiness - 2 Cor. 7:1

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2 Corinthians 7:1“Therefore, having these promises,

beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit,

perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

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What is Godliness?•It is to fear and respect God–2 Cor. 7:1 “…perfecting holiness

in the fear of God.”•It means to have sorrow toward God (2 Cor. 7:10) when we sin, as opposed to worldly sorrow.

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What is Godliness?•It means to have sorrow toward God

•Since God has given us “everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Pet. 1:3

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The Development of Godliness

•Requires Exercise (discipline)–As Paul counseled Timothy – 1 Tim. 4:7-8

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1 Timothy 4:7-8“But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the

other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily

discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present

life and also for the life to come.”

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The Development of Godliness

•Requires Exercise (discipline)–As Paul counseled Timothy – 1 Tim. 4:7-8•Just as physical exercise provides benefit for healthy living ...•Even more so, spiritual exercise provides benefit for godly living.

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Godliness Requires Exercise

•The type of spiritual exercise needed – cf. 1 Tim. 4:12-16

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1 Timothy 4:12-16“Let no one look down on your

youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I

come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.

14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of

hands by the presbytery. …”

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1 Timothy 4:12-16“… 15 Take pains with these things; be

absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation

both for yourself and for those who hear you.”

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Godliness Requires Exercise

•The type of spiritual exercise needed –Set a good example for others–Give attention to :•Reading (Word of God) •Exhortation•Doctrine

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Godliness Requires Exercise

•The type of spiritual exercise needed –Make good use of your abilities and opportunities.–Focus your efforts on such things, and your progress will be evident.

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Godliness Requires Exercise

•As Peter would say, it requires "giving all diligence" – cf. 2 Pet. 1:5

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The Development of Godliness

•Requires Abstinence–From disputes and arguments over words – 1 Timothy 6:3-4

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1 Timothy 6:3-4“If anyone advocates a different

doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to

godliness, …”

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1 Timothy 6:3-4“… 4 he is conceited and understands

nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy,

strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,”

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The Development of Godliness

•Requires Abstinence–From disputes and arguments over words – 1 Tim. 6:3-4–From materialism and the love of money – 1 Tim. 6:5-10

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1 Timothy 6:5-10“and constant friction between men of

depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of

gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by

contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food

and covering, with these we shall be content. …”

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1 Timothy 6:5-10“… 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many

foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

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The Development of Godliness

•Requires Abstinence–From disputes and arguments over words – 1 Tim. 6:3-4–From materialism and the love of money – 1 Tim. 6:5-10–Yes, we must flee these things, all the while pursuing godliness! – 1 Tim. 6:11

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1 Timothy 6:11“But flee from these things, you man

of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and

gentleness.”

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Examples of Godliness•Enoch "walked with God; and he

was not, for God took him." – Genesis 5:24–He must have lived close to God.–God took him so that he did not die like other men.

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Examples of Godliness•Lot was a godly man:–He did not approve of, nor partake of, the ungodliness of Sodom.–He "felt his righteous soul tormented

day after day by their lawless deeds" – 2 Pet. 2:6-9

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2 Peter 2:6-9“and if He condemned the cities of

Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly lives thereafter; 7 and if

He rescued righteous Lot, oppressed by the sensual conduct of unprincipled

men …”

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2 Peter 2:6-9“… 8 (for by what he saw and heard

that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the

day of judgment,”

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Examples of Godliness•John the "immerser", "was a

righteous and holy man" –Mk. 6:20 "for Herod was afraid of

John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe."–He was devout, true to God – Mt. 11:7-11

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Matthew 11:7-11“…Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, "What did you go out into

the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 "But what did you go out to

see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in

kings' palaces! …”

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Matthew 11:7-11“… 9 "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10 "This is the

one about whom it is written, 'Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You.' …”

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Matthew 11:7-11“… 11 "Truly I say to you, among those

born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom

of heaven is greater than he.”

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Examples of Godliness•John the "immerser", "was a

righteous and holy man"

–He was respected by the king and complimented by Jesus.

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Examples of Godliness•Cornelius–Acts 10:1, 2 "Now there was a

man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually."

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Examples of Godliness•Cornelius - Acts 10:1, 2 –He was a "devout man, and one that

feared God", though not yet a Christian.•Godliness alone does not save•But one cannot be saved without it.

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Examples of Godliness•Cornelius - Acts 10:1, 2 –He was a "devout man, and one that feared

God", though not yet a Christian.–His godly attitude caused him to say to Peter: "So I sent for you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before God to hear all that you have been commanded by the Lord." – Acts 10:33

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Examples of Godliness•Cornelius - Acts 10:1, 2 –He was a "devout man, and one that

feared God", though not yet a Christian.–His godly attitude caused him to obey Peter's command and be saved – Acts 10:47; 11:14–He was chosen as the first Gentile convert.

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Godliness is Profitable:•Just as it was in the lives of Enoch, Lot, John, and Cornelius,

•So it is with us.–1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness

actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life“–1 Tim. 4:7-8 "But have nothing to

do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–Often pays materially•Lk. 6:38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."

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2 Corinthians 9:6-10“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly

will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap

bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not

grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. …”

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2 Corinthians 9:6-10“… 8 And God is able to make all

grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written, "He scattered

abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever." …”

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2 Corinthians 9:6-10“… 10 Now He who supplies seed to the

sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and

increase the harvest of your righteousness;”

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life" –Often pays physically•Practice of godliness promotes good health and longer life - 1 Peter 3:10-12

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1 Peter 3:10-12“For, "The one who desires life, to love

and see good days, Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from

speaking deceit. 11 "He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek

peace and pursue it. …”

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1 Peter 3:10-12“… 12 "For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears

attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–Often pays mentally•Peace•Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–Often pays mentally•Peace – Phil. 4:7•Happiness •John 13:17 "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–Often pays mentally•Peace – Phil. 4:7•Happiness – John 13:17•Contentment •1 Timothy 6:6 "But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–Often pays mentally•Peace – Phil. 4:7•Happiness – John 13:17•Contentment – 1 Tim. 6:6•Freedom from anxiety – Mt. 6:25-33

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Matthew 6:25-33“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on.

Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? …”

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Matthew 6:25-33“… 26 "Look at the birds of the air, that

they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly

Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And who of you by being worried can add a single

hour to his life? …”

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Matthew 6:25-33“… 28 "And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet I say to you that not even

Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. …”

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Matthew 6:25-33“… 30 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace,

will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! 31 "Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What

will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' …”

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Matthew 6:25-33“… 32 "For the Gentiles eagerly seek

all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these

things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these

things will be added to you.”

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–It often pays socially•Practice of godliness gives a good name•Proverbs 22:1 "A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–It often pays socially•Practice of godliness gives a good name•Remember that Paul says that it sometimes brings persecution•2 Timothy 3:12 "Indeed, all who

desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the "present life"–It always pays spiritually by providing us with God's "precious promises“•2 Pet. 1:3,4

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2 Peter 1:3,4"seeing that His divine power has

granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true

knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. …"

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2 Peter 1:3,4"… 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises,

so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the

world by lust."

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the life "which

is to come”–2 Timothy 4:7,8

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2 Timothy 4:7,8“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the

faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which

the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved

His appearing.”

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Godliness is Profitable:•Profitable in the life “which

is to come”–2 Tim. 4:7,8–Here is where it will pay its greatest dividends–Romans 2:7 “to those who by

perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;”

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Conclusion:•It is not enough merely to "holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power;" – 2 Tim. 3:5–Such is hypocrisy!

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Conclusion:•No man can see God without this characteristic

•Hebrews 12:14 "Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord."