The little word godliness is used by the Holy Scriptures in a two-fold manner. First, specialiter act stricte (specifically and narrowly) when it indicates obedience towards the first table of the holy Ten Commandments and to the true worship which we offer to God the Lord with heart and mouth. It is used in such a manner when the words righteous integrity, or some other similar words, are added on, by which obedience to the second table of the holy Ten Commandments is indicated. So also St. Paul in this first epistle to Timothy (2:2) admonishes that a person is to pray for those in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life under them with all godliness and integrity; that is, in obedience to the first and second table of the holy Ten Commandments to love God and the neighbor in order to glorify God and for the benefit and good of the neighbor.

In this same epistle (6:11), he says to Timothy: You man of God, pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and humility. Here we see that godliness—that is, the service and obedience by which we deal with God without means—is distinguished from the righteousness of faith, love, patience, and humility. In the epistle to Titus, he states in 2:11-12: The salutary grace of God which has appeared for all men disciplines us that we deny the ungodly way, and live chastely, righteously and godly in this world—chaste towards ourselves, righteous towards the neighbor, godly towards God the Lord; chastity within us, righteousness next to us, godliness over us; chaste in word and conduct, righteous in deed, godly in heart. This is the understanding with which it is clarified as the “fear of God” in Acts 10:2 and “holiness” in Luke 1:75. (Schola Pietatus-Volume 1 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p. 9-10)

The holy apostle Paul prescribed this kind of rule for his disciple Timothy and others in 1 Tim. 4:8: Train yourself in godliness; for the exercise of the body is of little use, but godliness is good for everything; and it contains the promise for this and the future life. The first part is a seria ad pietatis studium exhortatio (a serious exhortation to strive for godliness), a sincere, faithful admonition that Bishop Timothy and all true Christians should train themselves in godliness. The second part is an exhortationis illius pondus ac ratio, a very important reason for Timothy and all Christians to be motivated to train themselves in godliness.

The first part consists of these words: Train yourself in godliness. In order that we properly understand this apostolic principle, we need to take note of two things: First, what is meant by godliness. Secondly, what it entails for one to train himself in godliness. (Schola Pietatus-Volume 1 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p. 9)

Omnipotent, eternal, and merciful God, You are the Savior of all men, especially those who believe [1 Tim. 4:10]. You have commanded through the apostle that prayers be offered for all men [1 Tim. 2:1]. I beg You, in behalf of all who are suffering under affliction and hardship, to uphold them with the consolation of Your grace, and support them with the help of Your might. Clothe with heavenly power and strength those who sweat in the most grievous agony of Satanic temptations. Make them partakers of Your victory, O Christ, most powerful Victor over the devil. May the refreshment of Your heavenly grace encourage those whose bones are dried up by the fire of sorrow. Uphold all those who fall and raise up all who are bowed down [Psa. 145:14]. Be gracious in allowing illness, so that physical sickness may be a spiritual medicine for those who are ill. May they recognize that sickness is an attendant of sin and a forerunner of death. Give to them strength of faith and patience, O truest Physician of souls and bodies. Restore them to their former health, provided that it is advantageous to their eternal salvation.

Protect those who are with child, support those giving birth. It is You who bring infants from the confines of their mother’s wombs, and enlarge the human race by Your blessing. Be with those who are in the pains of labor, O Lover and Giver of life, so they are not oppressed too heavily with excessive pain. Nourish orphans forsaken of all help. Protect widows, subject to the reproach of all, for You have called Yourself the kindest Father of the fatherless, and the most just Defender of the widowed [Psa. 68:5]. May the tears of widows, flowing down their cheeks, break through the clouds and not be quieted until they reach Your throne [Sir. 35:15 ff.].

Hear those who are in danger at sea and cry out to You, and who, being very near to shipwreck, cry out for Your help with ardent groans. Give freedom to the captive, so that with a grateful heart they may proclaim Your kindness. Make firm those who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake [Mat. 5:10], so that they may be victorious over all their enemies, and receive the eternal crown of martyrdom. Help also all those who are suffering dangers and misfortunes, so that they may possess their souls by true patience [Luke 21:19] and, denying their own will, take up their cross [Mat. 16:24]. May they follow Him under the cross, in whom they believe and who died for us on the cross. And especially, kindest Father, do I entrust to Your care those who are poised at the very gates of death, who hover between time and eternity, and who wrestle with this last foe with all their powers. Make them firm, O most powerful Victor over death. Free them, O most glorious Ruler of life, so they are not drowned by the waves of temptations, but are brought through to the port of eternal tranquility. Have mercy upon all men, You who are the Creator of all. Have mercy upon all, You who are the Redeemer of all. To You be praise and glory into all eternity, Amen. (The Daily Exercise of Piety by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p.91-93)