“But know this that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-thankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 2Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)
These five verses give us a clear understanding of the depth of depravity and disobedience that Paul is warning young Timothy to prepare himself for. What is most troubling about these verses is that Paul is speaking to Timothy concerning those who will be in his congregations. The phrase “having a form of godliness” tells us that these are (in effect) members of the early Church; that the phrase continues with “but denying its power” affirms their lack of commitment to Jesus and His righteousness.
When a life is committed to Him His power brings about changes in that life that are unmistakable and undeniable; to deny (or negate) God’s power is the work of an unrighteous life and of one not committed to Christ. It is not merely an accidental condition but one that is considered and purposeful in its desire to remain unchanged and ungodly while appearing to have many of the qualities of those who place their faith in Jesus. Many are those who know all of the “church words” and who also attend services regularly, yet in their hearts they deny God’s word access to their soul and refuse the invitation to change. They can’t change because they will not change; they are “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, blasphemers…and from such people turn away!” Strong words to young Timothy; strong words for us today, especially to the ungodly who present themselves as righteous members of the Church.
Paul’s advice should be taken seriously by all who enter into ministry. It is a sad, but irrefutable truth about the nature of humanity; the natural condition of mankind is slow to change, but quick to appease. Change requires surrender to God; appeasement is a commitment to false living and is the hypocritical action of those who have refused to change.
Paul’s instruction to “turn away” doesn’t give us permission to throw them away; it is a warning to take heed of their pretense, and to pray for their conversion.
