A Form of Godliness

I was reading a well-known passage in 2 Timothy. In fact, I was blazing through it until I noticed I'd written a note next to one verse. I'd totally forgotten this observation I'd made who knows when (I don't date my notes). But that note made me go back and reread the passage again with new eyes, and I'm really glad I did. That's why I write notes in my Bible because I'm forgetful.

First, let's talk about the verses, and then I'll talk about my note--which oddly corresponds with April Fool's Day. That wasn't intentional! I just set out to write a devotional and looked at what month still needed one, and that was April. Go figure. LOL

In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul is talking about people to keep an eye out for in the last days.

Watch out for:

lovers of their own selves - selfish

covetous - yep, see that a lot!

boasters and proud - interesting that these are two different ones, but I get it. A person can be too proud to ask for help but not necessarily be a boaster. And this list is about both.

blasphemers - it's hard to have a conversation without this happening these days

disobedient to parents - yep, totally

unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accuser, incontinent - all yep

fierce - made me think of protesters

despisers of those who are good - this one is hard to take on the chin

Traitors, heady, highminded - ouch

lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God - totally see this one.

And then comes the shocker. "Having a form of godliness."

You see, I'd been imagining people in the world, but Paul is talking about wolves in sheep's clothing.

This list is about people in the church who look good on the outside.

Now, I'd like to go through the list of things again. But this time, remember, this is a person who could very well be sitting next to you in church.

lovers of their own selves - "I'm not getting anything from church anymore. What is church doing for me anyway?" Church is about the worshipping God, not you.

covetous - I wish I had what the world's got. Why can't God bless me like He does so-and-so? We are not supposed to compare ourselves. Remember when Peter asked Jesus, "What about John?" and Jesus said, "What is that to thee?"

boasters - look at me, I can sing better than you! I've memorized more Bible verses!

proud - I've never done a terrible sin. I always do the right thing. I don't need to repent.

blasphemers - ouch! Paul is talking about a person in the church doing this.

disobedient to parents, unthankful - so sad to see this in church

unholy - double ouch

without natural affection - there are a lot of people in church trying to say this is okay. Don't listen to them. God never changes. What He has said is what He meant.

trucebreakers, false accuser, incontinent - "Sure, I'll come and help you set up for the Christmas play" and then they never show and claim you totally misunderstood them.

fierce - a true Christian should not be fierce. Strong and unwavering tempered with love and humility, but not fierce

despisers of those who are good - yes, this person actually hates good people in the church and works to tear them down.

Traitors - this one hurts so much

heady, highminded - Don't you understand the end times? I figured that out ages ago.

lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God - I've done this one when I've decided I'd rather sleep in and not be bothered to go to church today. I think reading 2 Tim. 2:3-4 with this one would be good.

What does Paul say to do with these kinds of people?

"From such turn away." 2 Timothy 3:5

The next time you read this list, remember he isn't talking about the world. He's talking about a wolf who is pretending to be a sheep. Someone with a form of godliness.

Don't be a fool this April Fool's Day. Learn to see past the form of godliness for what really lies beneath.