Earlier I spoke on different problems that I see. The first problem was lack of abiding. The second problem was that there is a form of godliness but no power. First, we need to ask ourselves, “Why is this?”
The Bible is very clear that in the last days many things will happen. Let’s look and see what exactly will happen! 2 Tim. 3:1-5 explains clearly, “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, unthankful, 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!”
Just as it is important to take pleasure in the Word of God, so also is it important to BE godly. Being godly and having a form of godliness are two different things. We’ve heard of Rick Warren, John Hagee, Benny Hinn, Todd Bentley, Rodney Howard Browne, TD Jakes, and many more! The Catholic Church, Mormons, JW’s all have a form of godliness but deny the power. This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of what’s out there!
“You talk about having a form of godliness but denying the power! What exactly do you mean by that?” you might ask with a bit of annoyance. Good question and I’m glad you asked.
In our Christian lives, there are so many things that can keep us from the Lord. We discussed some of those things in Meditating on Scripture. I won’t go into detail as it has already been discussed but you can go back and review, if you want to. The verse, “having a form of godliness, but denying it’s power,” simply means, “having a semblance of holiness, but rejecting God’s power.”
“Well, those people don’t reject God’s power, so I don’t really see what you are getting at,” maybe you are responding here in confusion.
First, we must look at the first part of the sentence. Just because someone seems to be holy doesn’t necessarily make them holy. Every one of these men have been caught doing something that goes contrary to the Word of God and instead of seeking forgiveness for it, the brazenly keep up the lie and still seek money in return. This is not holiness, Ladies, it’s ungodly! Holiness is doing what is right in God’s eyes, not ours. The Bible is very clear that even the thoughts are the same things as the deeds. If a person is rebellious then they are committing the sin of witchcraft. If a person has lust in their heart, then they are committing adultery, if a person has hate in their heart, then it’s as if that person already committed murder in their heart! These are serious offenses.
Many times people say, “Well, I didn’t kill anyone so I’m just as good as the next person.” Actually, you’re right in that you are just as good as the next person because the next person is just as much deserving of hell as what you or I am! The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Each person, whether living or dead, has missed the mark (outside of the Lord Jesus Christ) and we cannot match up to God’s standard no matter what we do. To compare ourselves to other people is foolishness. Our comparison must be to God and HIS standard, not what we foolishly think the standard should be!
So, we once again look at the verse, “… having a form of godliness but denying it’s power.” Those men and cults definitely have a form of godliness and do deny God’s holy power. God will not give HIS glory to another, which is exactly what they are trying to do! They take the glory for themselves and they are worshiping another god other then the Lord Jesus Christ!
Paul says in Galatians 1:1-8, “Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Paul is very clear that if something is being preached or taught other then what is in the Bible then that man or woman is to be accursed! This also is a very good reason why we should be delighting and taking pleasure in God’s Word. If we are studying God’s Word continuously then we won’t be taken in by charlatan who is only out for money!
May our pleasure in God’s Word remind us that there is an eternity ahead of us! The temporal will only last long enough to be like a puff of wind!
