February 12, 2015

“Powerless Form of Godliness”

Blessings folk!

So, are the truths of the Word having an impact on you?

The Spirit of the Lord led Paul to speak this to Timothy...and to us.

We must realize.

In the last days difficult times will come.

Difficult: chalepos

• hard to do
• hard to take
• hard to bear
• troublesome
• dangerous
• harsh
• fierce
• savage

Read the passage one last time...yes!
Repetition is the heart of learning.

2 Timothy 2:1-5
1 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, 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.

The last defining characteristic of such men is one that is often ignored.

They hold to a form of godliness.
They are religious!
They might even “look good” in their religious activity.

godliness: eusebeia

• reverence
• respect
• piety towards God

holding to: echō

• to have in the hand, in the sense of wearing
• to possess of the mind
• to hold one’s self or find one’s self so and so, to be in such or such a condition
• to adhere to a thing

form: morphōsis

• forming
• shaping
• the mere form, semblance

The definition of the underlying Greek words give us insight.

These men look as if they are godly.
They take on the shape and form of godliness, yet they deny its power.
They profess some form of faith.
Yet, they deny its power...thereby denying faith.

They are not true Believers.
Yes.
They look like they are, but, they are tares.
Many are in organizational church leadership...very many.
We see them daily.
They prance about in the garb of religion..be it “spirit” or literal clothing.
Yet, they are not true believers.

The major seat/position of the men described in this passage is the seat of religion.

Beware.
Be forewarned.
Allow the Spirit to release His discernment.
Have nothing to due with such men.