2Timothy 3:5, “having a form of godliness, but denying its power. And from such people turn away.”
One of the effects of false teaching is false religion, a false security based upon a merely outward religion. Paul here speaks of a people who are laden with sinful practice, yet falsely profess to be in Christ. Last week, Brother Evans shared on the toxic gospel, I see this to be one of the results of that gospel, and something that largely plagues what calls itself the church today. Let he who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The form of godliness spoken of here refers to a merely ornamental religion, a dressed up outward religion that does not touch the heart. One of pomp and ceremony, tradition and idol worship, not one of love birthed in the heart. This religion gives no remedy for sin, only a covering of such things. The example here is the growing amount in the church, proclaiming Christ, while they drink and revel with the world. True religion is birthed in the heart, it springs forth in flames of holy love unto the Lord. This person willingly renounces the world, willingly forsakes sin and self, and pursues God with all the desire of the heart.
Next Paul speaks of denial, a word here better translated as repudiate or renounce, which both speak of a willing turning away, one who hears the truth, but chooses to continue to follow their sinful practices. They hear of the necessity of a holy life, but they ignore this cry, choosing rather to hide behind a false theology or some empty dogma. The church today revels in this, worldly pastors preaching to worldly churches, no longer do the Pentecostal fires burn within these sacred walls. We have denied the power of the blood, shed by Jesus to cleanse us of our sin, not to cover it over. Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, all glory to His name!
Lastly Paul speaks of power. The power here is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, birthed within the heart by faith. Holiness is the proof and result of this work, not a mere outward holiness, but a purity of heart and life, characterized by a love for God above all else, and without this, I scarcely believe one can say they have Christ. There must be a change, we must be new creations, we must be born again. Not baptized, not on our church registry, born from above, born of the Spirit, now living lives wholly given to the Lord, obeying Him, loving Him incessantly. Let us consider our ways, let us turn again to the Lord, for He will abundantly pardon, He is willing that none would perish, but that all would come to everlasting life, remaining in that place by faith.
In the Savior’s love, blessings Brother Benjamen
He Has Magnified His Word 