One of the characteristics that will be prevalent in the last days, according to Paul in his second letter to Timothy, is a lack of spiritual power in those professing to be leaders in the faith. Listed toward the end of such despicable traits as blasphemers, unholy, fierce, and despisers of those that are good, are those described in…

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Paul sternly warns Timothy, and all his readers by extension, to ‘turn away’ from such hypocritical spiritual leaders. Though they may fill a position in the church, and know how to ‘talk the talk and walk the walk,’ their final product contradicts what they say.

We are living in the last days, and have been since Paul’s day. However, as we see the world aligning with the description of what will happen in those last days, it is not hard to determine that these must be the last of the last days.

Though many of the ‘signs’ mentioned in the Bible refer to the days of the Tribulation and beyond, there will likely be ‘shadows’ leading up to those days giving an indication that something is about to happen. I think we are seeing many of those ‘shadows’ today.

If that is the case, we must be even more vigilant to carefully watch out for those professing to be Bible preachers and teachers, all while they themselves are secretly living powerless, self-indulgent lives. With the advent of media technology, like that which is ever increasing through the internet, preachers and teachers of every stripe can be found at any time of the day.

Preaching on ultra-professional sets, wearing the finest of suits, and delivering carefully crafted messages, the sources promoted are very alluring. They have mastered the ability to stir emotions, leaving their viewers primed to send in their offerings, enlarging their wealth, and adding to their belief that they are doing the ‘Lord’s work.’

Paul had had his fill of ‘empty’ religion. He had been persecuted by the best of them. He had been beaten and imprisoned by Jews in one city, and chased out of town by so-called Christians in the next. Paul had faced heartbreak from some of his own converts whose hearts had been stolen away by false teachers. They had convinced his converts that Paul was the false teacher, and was the one to be avoided.

Paul had seen every degree of piety, and had been disgusted by those who tried to lead their flocks, while they themselves were bankrupt in their own spiritual lives. Paul had witnessed churches where their numbers were growing, all while their true commitment to Christ faltered.

Paul warned Timothy to watch out for fancy talkers whose lives did not match up with their message. The same message needs to be heeded today—perhaps even more so.
Follow after Godliness, and turn away from those denying its power.