Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 3:5
As God walks us through this week in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we have read all about the fleshly characteristics that people will choose to blatantly walk in during the “last days.” Today we read in 2 Timothy 3:5 that these same people will hold onto a “form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” God wants us to know that these people will act religious, say religious things, even seem like they are godly. But God says that their actual life/actions/conduct will completely reveal that their claim of faith is entirely false. These people reject God and hold to the false gods of this world. These people are fulfilling Romans 1:21-23 “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.” Interestingly, God ends 2 Timothy 3:5 with, “Avoid such men as these.” We would think that God does not want us sharing the gospel with these people but that is not the point. God does want us to share our faith in Christ with everyone. God does NOT want us idolizing athletes, musicians, and/or actors/actresses who walk in these characteristics, nor to build close friendships with people who act this way either (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about people who act religious but are truly fake?
2. How are you guarding your heart against idolizing the wrong kind of people and choosing carefully who your close friends are?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!