Whoever, against conscience, follows the lusts of his flesh with sin, does not properly confess God—even though he may exalt himself in whatever way he wishes (1 John 3:6) and with self-controlled patience (if one wants to dampen and kill off the evil lusts of the old man, it is hard for flesh and blood to take this on account of the fact that it is called a crucifixion and killing off of the flesh [Gal. 5:24, Col. 3:5].

If one no longer wishes to conform to this world nor run with it in the wasteland of inordinate ways (1 Pet. 4:4), then repulsiveness and hostility soon arise; consequently, for such self-control and abstinence from fleshly, worldly lusts, patience is necessary); and, in patient godliness (through which we lift up our heart, mind, and attitude to God, and inwardly call upon Him). For it does not lie within the realm of our powers and desires to offer up such things which He through His good Spirit wishes to implant, sustain, and multiply in our hearts—things such as faith, virtue, discernment, self-control, and patience; and, along with godliness, brotherly love: (Schola Pietatus-Volume 1 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p. 12-13)

In this sense, the word “godliness” summarily includes all Christian striving and all those things that are called for in a holy and God-pleasing life, which St. Peter in 2 Pet. 3:11, summarily calls a holy sojourn and a godly essence. For this, it is not sufficient for one to boast about his faith in Christ; rather, one is also to publicly indicate the same with the testimony of good works, as James states in 2:18: Show me your faith with your works. And immediately before that in v. 17: Faith itself is dead if it does not have good works. But especially these golden chains, by which true faith and all Christian strivings are inextinguishably intertwined with each other and summarily belong to the golden treasure of true godliness, are indeed beautifully and artistically channeled together by St. Peter in 2 Pet. 1:5-7. He states there: Direct all your zeal towards this and thereby obtain your faith’s virtue—do not think that it is sufficient for godliness and true Christianity to boast of one’s faith; rather, in such a faith, true virtue must be achieved, for true, proper, living faith is active in love (Gal. 5:6). A person ushers this in through good works and all kinds of Christian virtues (Jam. 2:18) and with virtuous humility (Confession of the true God according to His essence and will—which confession is, at the same time, the light and guide for all Christian virtue, for as usual, zeal without the knowledge of God is not acceptable [Rom. 10:2]. Thus also, virtue without knowledge and humility cannot be acceptable.) and with humble moderation (Where there is true life-giving knowledge of God, there one also will find the ἐγκράτεια, i.e., maturity, so that a person refrains from fleshly lusts which fight against the soul [1 Pet. 2:11]).

(Schola Pietatus-Volume 1 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p. 11-12)

Next, it is also used generaliter ac late (in general and broadly) when it encompasses obedience both towards the first and second table of the holy Ten Commandments and also the entire Law—indeed, also the font and source of this holy obedience; namely, true, proper, contrite repentance and the true living faith in Christ. It is used this way when it is plainly composed for such and there is no other word to be found alongside that would especially indicate obedience towards the second table of the holy Ten Commandments and the service which we are obligated to offer to our neighbor. Thus, in 1 Tim. 6:3, the entire Christian religion is briefly and skillfully described: that it is a doctrine of godliness; namely, in that we are instructed and correctly informed by it to conduct ourselves in holiness and righteousness towards God and our neighbor. Even in the very same chapter (6:6), the holy apostle says: It is a great gain for anyone who is godly, that is, anyone who rightly confesses God the Lord from His Word, fears Him, glorifies, loves, serves Him, calls upon Him, thanks Him, and offers Him grateful obedience. Along with this, that with his works he zealously practices his calling and shows Christian love to his neighbor. In Tit. 1:1, all of Christianity is comprehended as possessing faith and the knowledge of the truth for godliness. Along with this is immediately revealed in v. 2, the indescribable hope of eternal life which is promised to the person who does not disavow it. (Schola Pietatus-Volume 1 by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p. 10-11)

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)

(Continued)  May You stand by pious parents with Your grace, so that they bring up their children with holy admonitions and discipline [Eph. 6:4]. May they acknowledge that their children, the fruit of marriage, are Your gift, and may they offer them back to You through a pious and faithful marriage. May they place before the children an example of a holy life, lest they entangle themselves in the most grievous sin of causing others to stumble. Bend also the hearts of the children, so that they show to their parents the compliance of obedience owed to them. May they be the fragrance of the little plants of a heavenly paradise, so they do not become useless wood, subject to the flames of hell. May they scatter about the most pleasant smell of piety, obedience, reverence, and every type of virtue, so they do not fall into the detestable stench of sins and hell. May they remember the commandment to honor parents. May they be roused to cherish their parents in return. May they remember to return to their parents the care they received, lest they fall headlong into the abyss of all sorts of misfortunes [Eph. 6:2-3].

May parents and children worship You, true God, with united devotion in this life, so that they may praise You in eternal life with united praises. May servants be willingly obedient to their masters, serving them with fear and simplicity of heart, not with eye-service alone or desiring to please men, but rather may they decide to render this service to Christ [Eph. 6:5-6]. And, in turn, may masters embrace them with paternal kindness, so from lawful authority there does not come tyrannical cruelness. The household estate is a household church, highly esteemed by God and angels. Amen.  (The Daily Exercise of Piety by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p.85-87)

Omnipotent and merciful God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Your most wise judgment in addition to the ministry of the Church and the rule of government, You instituted the household estate. I praise You and beg You with my whole heart that You guard this holy nursery of Church and Republic. Grant to virgins, widows, and those married, true holiness of soul and pure chastity of body. May virgins depend completely upon You [1 Cor. 7:34]. May widows continue in prayers day and night [1 Tim. 5:5]. May husband and wife highly esteem one another with sincere love [Eph. 5:25]. May all serve You in righteousness and holiness with their whole heart. May the marriage bed be undefiled [Heb. 13:4] and every soul unstained. May they be violets of humility and lilies of chastity. May they be roses of charity and balms of sanctity.

Bind together the hearts of the pious who are married, with the bond of a chaste love, so that they embrace each other willingly and continue in Your holy service. Guard them from the plots of Asmodeus [Tobit 3:8], lest they burn with hatred, one for the other. May the wife be a helper for the man and supply comfort in adversity [Gen. 2:18]. May the indissoluble bond of marriage be for us all a holy mystery of the love between Christ and the Church [Eph. 5:32]. The closer the fellowship of husband and wife, still more fervent may their zeal in prayer be. The more they are subject to greater perils and misfortunes, with souls more closely joined, the more may they be engaged in piety and prayers. (Continued on Sexagesima)  (from The Daily Exercise of Piety by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p.85-87)

(Continued)  Send forth into Your harvest faithful workers [Mat. 9:38], so that they may gather a great harvest of saints. Open the hearts of the hearers, so that they may receive the seed of the Word with the holy obedience of faith [Act 16:14]. Grant to them Your grace, so that they may guard the holy deposit of the Word with a pure heart, and with patience bring forth abundant fruit [Luke 8:15]. May they hear attentively, may they hear carefully, may they hear fruitfully! Otherwise the Word which is preached to them, not having been mixed with faith, will judge them on the last day [John 12:48]. Show forth the express promise of Your grace, that Your Word will not return to You void [Isa. 55:11]. I am mindful of this Your promise, grant that the labor of the one who plants and the one who waters may be blessed [1 Cor. 3:7]. Grant Your protection, I ask, that the infernal raven may not dig up the holy seed of Your Word from the field of the hearts of men, nor the thorn of worldly pleasures and riches constrain it, nor the hardness of stone prevent it from bearing fruit [Mat. 13:4 ff., Luke 8:12 ff.]. Water that seed with the heavenly dew of Your grace, poured out from above, so that then the most abundant harvest of good works may spring forth. Bind together the hearts of pastors and hearers alike in the closest bond of love, so that they contend at the same time for one another in prayers, and encourage each other by their care for one another, Amen.  (The Daily Exercise of Piety by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p.81-83)

O Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, our only Mediator and Redeemer, You have been exalted to the right hand of the Father, and send pastors and teachers of Your Word [Eph. 4:11], by whose work You gather the Church among us unto Yourself. I humbly beg You, who are one true God with the Father and the Holy Spirit, that You guide those Your ministers in the way of truth, and turn the hearts of their hearers to the true obedience of faith. There is no occupation of human life, no class of men, which is so subject to the hatred and plots of Satan as the ecclesiastical ministry of the Word. Protect, therefore, the members of this ministry with the shield of grace, and furnish them with the strength of patience, so that Satan’s traps cannot trip them up.

Grant, I ask, to Your ministers the necessary knowledge and pious diligence in all doings, that they first learn from You before presuming to teach others [Jas. 3:1]. Govern and enlighten their hearts by Your Spirit so that in the place of God they preach nothing other than God’s Word; they shepherd the flock committed unto them [1 Pet. 5:2], purchased and redeemed by Your precious blood [Acts 20:28], out of true and sincere love and not out of covetousness or ambition; they shepherd the flock in thought, word, and deed; they shepherd by the prayer of their soul, by the exhortation of the Word, and by example; so that they follow in the footsteps of the one to whom the care of the Lord’s flock was commended three times [John 21:15]. Rouse them that they keep watch over the souls entrusted to them, since they shall give serious account for them in the severe examination of the last judgment [Heb. 13:17]. Whatever they advise in the preaching of the holy Word, may they first be diligent in this matter in their own lives, lest being sluggish to work themselves, they labor in vain to arouse others. To whatever good works they inflame others, may they themselves first be zealous in these works by the fervor of the Spirit. Before they resound with words of exhortation, may they first proclaim by their works, whatever they are about to speak. (Continued On Transfiguration)  (from The Daily Exercise of Piety by Johann Gerhard, Repristination Press, p.81-83)