2 Timothy 3:5
Verse
Context
Sermons
Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having a form of godliness - The original word μορφωσις signifies a draught, sketch, or summary, and will apply well to those who have all their religion in their creed, confession of faith, catechism, bodies of divinity, etc., while destitute of the life of God in their souls; and are not only destitute of this life, but deny that such life or power is here to be experienced or known. They have religion in their creed, but none in their hearts. And perhaps to their summary they add a decent round of religious observances. From such turn away - not only do not imitate them, but have no kind of fellowship with them; they are a dangerous people, and but seldom suspected, because their outside is fair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
form--outward semblance. godliness--piety. denying--rather as Greek, "having denied," that is, renounced. the power--the living, regenerating, sanctifying influence of it. turn away--implying that some of such characters, forerunners of the last days, were already in the Church.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having a form of godliness,.... Either a mere external show of religion, pretending great piety and holiness, being outwardly righteous before men, having the mask and visor of godliness; or else a plan of doctrine, a form of sound words, a scheme of truths, which men may have without partaking of the grace of God; and which, with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity, the church of Rome has; or else the Scriptures of truth, which the members of that church have, and profess to hold to, maintain and preserve; and which contains doctrines according to godliness, and tend to a godly life and godly edification: but denying the power thereof; though in words they profess religion and godliness, the fear of God, and the pure worship of him, yet in works they deny all; and though they may have a set of notions in their heads, yet they feel nothing of the power of them on their hearts; and are strangers to experimental religion, and powerful godliness: or though they profess the Scriptures to be the word of God, yet they deny the use, the power, and efficacy of them; they deny the use of them to the laity, and affirm that they are not a sufficient rule of faith and practice, without their unwritten traditions; and that they are not able to make men wise, or give them a true knowledge of what is to be believed and done, without them; and that the sense of them is not to be understood by private men, but depends upon the infallible judgment of the church or pope: from such turn away; have no fellowship with them, depart from their communion, withdraw from them, and come out from among them: this passage sufficiently justifies the reformed churches in their separation from the church of Rome.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 People like that (3:2-4) had rejected sound teaching and cut themselves off from the power that could make them godly (see 1 Tim 1:5-11; Col 2:16-23).
2 Timothy 3:5
Evil in the Last Days
4traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality
By Zac Poonen6.4K12:44MAT 22:37JHN 6:632CO 11:141TI 4:12TI 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about people who hold onto a form of godliness but deny its power. The preacher compares Satan's deception to giving someone a glass of milk with a few drops of poison, highlighting that Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light. He explains that being religious and following external religious practices does not necessarily make a person spiritual, using examples from Jesus' teachings and the Pharisees' behavior. The sermon emphasizes the need for inner transformation and a genuine love for God, rather than just outward religious observance.
Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1
By Art Katz3.6K1:16:42Garden Of EdenPSA 41:9PRO 27:6MAT 7:211CO 5:6EPH 4:152TI 3:51PE 4:17In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussions about ultimate questions and values. The sermon also touches on the influence of media and the need to be discerning about what we consume. The speaker highlights the prophetic dilemma of having to confront and offend, but also emphasizes the universal nature of the condition that needs to be addressed in contemporary Christendom.
(Spiritual Dangers) the Danger of Complacency
By Don Currin2.2K58:49ComplacencyAMO 6:3AMO 6:7MAT 6:33ROM 13:141CO 15:34COL 3:162TI 3:5In this sermon, the preacher describes a scene in a restaurant where people are enjoying their meals and drinks while oblivious to a documentary on global starvation playing on the television monitors. The preacher then goes on to explain four characteristics of spiritual complacency, focusing on the idea of putting far away the day of judgment and creating an environment of violence. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith accompanied by works and the need to stay on the cutting edge of one's spiritual journey. The preacher concludes with a cautionary tale about becoming so consumed with creature comforts that one becomes deaf to the cries of the perishing.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Malachi) ch.1:1-1:11
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:44From Babylon To JerusalemMAL 1:11CO 10:122TI 3:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Malachi and the overall theme of revival and declension in the history of God's people. The Old Testament is seen as a revelation of how God's people had power but eventually lost it, leaving only a form of godliness. The speaker emphasizes the danger of having a form of godliness without the inward power and warns against compromise and worldliness. The sermon also references the last days, where it will be difficult to be a Christian due to people having a form of godliness but denying the inward power. The speaker connects this to the importance of following all the commandments of Jesus, as symbolized by the building of the wall in Jerusalem.
Youth Convention at Fairhaven 1964-02 Returning to the Principles
By Major Ian Thomas1.9K56:45PrinciplesROM 8:111CO 15:201CO 15:222CO 5:17EPH 1:18EPH 2:42TI 3:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's control over our minds, emotions, and will. He uses an example of being sincerely wrong about the time and missing a plane to illustrate the need for God's guidance. The speaker then discusses the concept of being raised from the dead, explaining that salvation means having life restored to the lifeless. He also highlights the dual relationship of love and dependence on God that humans are meant to have, contrasting it with Satan's attitude of independence. Finally, the speaker discusses the three parts of human beings - the body, soul, and spirit - and the need for sanctification in all three areas.
A Word to Apostates
By Steve Gallagher1.7K43:31ApostasyEZK 36:312TI 3:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a commitment to God in light of the current events happening in the world. He urges the audience to take a serious look at the news and recognize that time is running out. The speaker encourages individuals to make concrete commitments to change their lives and not just offer vague apologies to God. He highlights nine signs that indicate a lack of commitment to God, such as prioritizing money and goods, insincere worship, and indifference towards eternal matters. The sermon draws inspiration from the message to the Church of Sardis in Revelation 3, where Jesus warns the church about their spiritual deadness and calls them to wake up and strengthen what remains.
Nothing but Leaves
By Harold Vaughan1.6K1:00:02Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 21:17MRK 11:12LUK 13:6JHN 1:112TI 3:5TIT 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of practicing what we believe rather than just giving lip service. He criticizes the current state of the church, stating that it has become more like an audience watching actors on a stage rather than a congregation of worshipers. The preacher highlights the need for a genuine relationship with God and a burden for souls in order to bear fruit. He also warns against the danger of becoming too intellectual and polished in our worship, losing the power of God to save lost souls. The sermon calls for a return to true worship and ministry, where the focus is on bringing forth fruit rather than just leaves.
Religion: Form or Force?
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K46:26ReligionGEN 1:3MAT 6:33JHN 15:7ROM 4:17COL 3:162TI 3:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power that comes from having the almighty God dwell within our hearts. The Bible portrays this concept in various ways, such as God dwelling in us through His word. The consequences of having a form of religion without the power of God are tragic, as it misrepresents the gospel. The gospel is not just a moral philosophy, but good news that provides both the standard of God and the power to live according to it. The speaker encourages Christians to avoid those who have a form of godliness but deny its power.
(Saved Through the Fire) 07 - Who Is Your Father
By Milton Green1.5K1:29:19ROM 1:162CO 6:142CO 7:12TI 3:52TI 4:2HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into the furnace of fire for refusing to bow down to the image of the beast. He emphasizes that when believers face persecution and affliction for their faith, they should not compromise but remain steadfast. The preacher warns against seeking teachers who only teach partial truths and cater to selfish desires, instead of enduring sound doctrine. He emphasizes the importance of enduring trials and challenges, as it leads to maturity and completeness in one's faith. The sermon references the story of the rich young ruler who loved greed more than the Lord, highlighting the need to let go of worldly possessions to follow Christ.
The Legal Limit on Sin
By Richard Owen Roberts1.0K1:04:31PSA 51:10MAT 3:8MAT 9:37MAT 13:30MAT 13:39MAT 24:14GAL 6:72TI 3:5REV 14:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance, confession of sin, and the danger of accumulating sin in our lives, churches, and nations. It warns about the legal limit on sin, where God's wrath is poured out to the utmost when the measure of sin is full. The speaker urges listeners to be vigilant in repentance, to avoid adding to the measure of sin, and to consider the eternal consequences of sin. The message also highlights the need for revival, prayer, and a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of individuals, churches, and nations.
Double Minded Christians (Àª—à«àªœàª°àª¾àª¤à«€ - Gujarati)
By Sherebyah Tisbi91848:17GujaratiPSA 23:1MAT 6:24MAT 7:21PHP 4:191TI 6:102TI 3:5JAS 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relying on God for provision and sustenance. He mentions the name of the Lord, Chahua Jaira, as the one who will provide for his people. The preacher acknowledges the need for forgiveness for those who have strayed from God's power and urges the congregation to pray for their needs. The sermon includes repetitive phrases and calls for the congregation to listen and hear the message being delivered.
Formalism
By J.C. Ryle2Heart ReligionThe Danger of FormalismROM 2:282TI 3:5J.C. Ryle addresses the pervasive issue of formalism in Christianity, emphasizing that true religion is not merely a matter of outward appearances but must stem from a genuine heart transformation. He warns that many professing Christians may engage in religious practices without true faith or heartfelt devotion, which ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness. Ryle highlights that true Christians are those whose faith is rooted in their hearts, and he cautions that authentic faith often faces ridicule and is not popular among the masses. He encourages believers to examine their hearts and seek a genuine relationship with God, rather than settling for a hollow form of godliness.
Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up?
By Peter Hammond0HOS 6:4MAT 10:21MAT 19:22MAT 24:10MAT 26:56MRK 14:10LUK 9:57LUK 10:2JHN 6:661TI 1:31TI 3:71TI 6:32TI 1:152TI 3:52TI 3:82TI 4:102TI 4:14HEB 10:38REV 2:4Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the examples of those who forsook Christ, deserted Paul, and the warnings against disloyalty and betrayal in the Bible. The sermon stresses the importance of deep roots in God's Word, character building through affliction, and the dedication required for Christian service despite hardships and opposition.
Epistle 271
By George Fox0The Power of GodlinessSpiritual AuthorityGEN 1:2ISA 19:14JHN 3:19ROM 6:17EPH 4:301TH 5:192TI 1:132TI 3:5George Fox emphasizes the danger of straying from the light, spirit, and power of God, leading to confusion and a lack of true form in life. He warns that those who follow their own wills and reject divine authority fall into a perverse spirit, resulting in a chaotic existence devoid of true purpose. Fox highlights the importance of maintaining the covenant with God and the necessity of both form and power in faith, as mere outward appearances without spiritual substance lead to condemnation. He calls for a return to the true forms established by God, which are essential for a sound and godly life.
External Religion, No Substitute for Godliness
By Thomas Reade0PSA 51:17PRO 16:7ISA 29:131CO 6:192TI 3:5HEB 6:101JN 3:2REV 3:20Thomas Reade preaches about the unprofitable nature of external religion when made a substitute for godliness, emphasizing the importance of true faith in Christ over mere formalities and rituals. He warns against self-deception and the dangers of substituting worldly pleasures for the promises of God. Reade encourages believers to seek true godliness, which leads to a life of faith, righteousness, and humility, ultimately resulting in peace and communion with God. He highlights the need for active service in the cause of Christ and the transformation that occurs when one surrenders to Jesus and experiences His love and mercy.
The Power and the Form
By J.C. Philpot0ACT 20:211CO 5:101CO 16:22EPH 2:82TI 3:51JN 3:14J.C. Philpot preaches on the danger of having a form of godliness without the power thereof, as described in 2 Timothy 3:5. He explains that the last days are perilous because many will outwardly profess godliness but lack the inward transformation by the Spirit. Philpot breaks down the concepts of godliness, the power of godliness, the form of godliness, denying the power, and the exhortation to turn away from those who deny the power of godliness.
You Have a Little Strength (False Revival and True Revival)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0Surrender to ChristTrue RevivalMAT 7:7JHN 15:5ROM 12:12CO 5:17PHP 3:102TI 3:5HEB 12:14JAS 4:81PE 5:6REV 3:8Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the distinction between false and true revival, asserting that true power comes from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus rather than outward manifestations. He reflects on the little strength of believers who have kept God's word and not denied His name, highlighting that genuine transformation occurs within the heart. Waldvogel warns against the allure of superficial revivals that focus on external signs rather than the inward work of Christ. He calls for a return to seeking Jesus Himself, rather than merely His blessings, and encourages believers to surrender fully to Him. The sermon serves as a reminder that true revival is often hidden and requires a sincere desire for Christ.
Day 196, 2 Timothy 3
By David Servant0MAT 7:6MAT 24:92TI 2:152TI 3:12TI 3:52TI 3:122TI 3:16David Servant preaches about Paul's warning to Timothy regarding the difficult times ahead in the last days, emphasizing the surge in humanity's rebellion and the impending wrath of God. As sin increases, Christians will face unique challenges and persecution, culminating in a world-wide movement against them under the antichrist's rule. Paul highlights the hypocrisy of those who hold to a form of godliness but deny its power, urging Timothy to avoid such individuals and emphasizing the inevitability of persecution for those who live godly lives.
Zeal - Love Ablaze!
By Leonard Ravenhill0Zeal for GodSpiritual RevivalJOL 2:17JHN 2:17JHN 7:24EPH 4:262TI 3:5Leonard Ravenhill passionately addresses the need for zeal in the Church, emphasizing that true zeal is love ablaze, which drives believers to confront sin and pollution within their communities. He contrasts the weeping Christ with the whipping Christ, highlighting Jesus' deep sorrow over the defilement of the temple and the need for modern preachers to weep over the state of the Church. Ravenhill warns against counterfeit zeal and calls for a return to genuine, Spirit-filled passion that prioritizes God's glory over personal gain. He laments the current state of the Church, which has become complacent and distracted by worldly concerns, urging believers to rekindle their fervor for God. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to embody the zeal of Christ, which should consume them in their pursuit of holiness and righteousness.
How a Spiritual Movement Declines
By Zac Poonen0PSA 12:1MAT 16:3ACT 13:362CO 11:3COL 1:282TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:5HEB 8:11REV 2:4Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of sincere devotion to God in a world filled with deception and flattery. He emphasizes the need for believers to know God personally, not just through knowledge of the Bible, to avoid being led astray by cults and false doctrines. Poonen warns about the dangers of losing personal devotion to Christ and the tendency for movements to decline after the passing of their founders, stressing the significance of shepherds after God's own heart who do not seek their own but build up believers in Christ.
I Samuel 4:3
By Chuck Smith0Faith vs. RitualTrue Worship1SA 4:3MAT 15:8JHN 14:6ROM 10:9EPH 2:8COL 2:82TI 3:5HEB 10:24JAS 1:221PE 3:21Chuck Smith emphasizes the folly of relying on religious symbols and rituals instead of a genuine relationship with God. He explains that while outward forms of worship, like the Ark of the Covenant, are important, they should not be mistaken for the true power of faith. Smith warns against the superstitious nature of those who cling to rituals without true repentance or prayer, highlighting that true salvation comes from faith in Jesus Christ alone, not from mere participation in religious ceremonies. He calls for a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance behind these forms, urging believers to avoid the deception of trusting in rituals for salvation.
The Bane of "Religious Talk"
By A.W. Tozer0Authenticity in FaithThe Power of WordsMAT 15:8JHN 4:24ROM 12:21CO 2:14EPH 4:15COL 3:22TI 3:5HEB 6:5HEB 11:1JAS 1:22A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of empty religious talk that lacks genuine meaning and connection to reality. He argues that while we cannot physically walk with Christ, we can experience the essence of faith and the spiritual truths of God's kingdom. Tozer warns that many words spoken in religious contexts may simply be hollow phrases without true substance or understanding. He calls for a deeper comprehension of faith that transcends mere verbal expressions, urging believers to seek authentic experiences of God's presence. Ultimately, he challenges the church to ensure that their words reflect true spiritual realities rather than mere phonetic sounds.
Epistle 34
By George Fox0JER 23:18JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 8:12JHN 11:9ROM 3:272CO 4:62TI 3:5REV 17:6George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying true to the light of Christ within each individual, warning against speaking presumptuously about God out of fear or pride. He urges the congregation to wait in the light, love it, and allow it to guide them away from wicked ways and false teachings. Those who turn away from the light and deny it, even if they profess the words of scripture, are condemned. Fox highlights the distinction between those who walk in the light of Christ and those who turn from it, likening the latter to harlots who deceive and persecute true believers.
(Living as Jesus Lived) 9. the Bride of Christ
By Zac Poonen0The Bride of ChristObedience vs. DisobedienceEXO 25:8JER 51:58MAT 7:242TI 3:5HEB 12:22JAS 4:41JN 2:6REV 17:5REV 18:4REV 21:2Zac Poonen emphasizes the stark contrast between the Bride of Christ and the Harlot church, illustrating how the Holy Spirit's work results in a glorious, holy city, while Satan's counterfeit leads to spiritual adultery and destruction. He highlights that true Christianity is marked by obedience to God's will, as seen in the lives of those who build their faith on the rock of Christ, in contrast to those who rely on human wisdom and ultimately perish. Poonen warns against the false security of those who claim to follow Christ without genuine obedience, urging believers to heed the call to separate from the worldly system of Babylon and embrace the holiness of Jerusalem. The sermon calls for a life that reflects the divine nature and purpose of God, culminating in the eternal glory of His grace.
Practical Christian Living
By Charles Finney0Faith vs. WorksSanctificationMAT 5:48MAT 11:27MRK 11:24JHN 6:45ROM 8:11CO 1:30EPH 2:8PHP 4:192TI 3:5REV 3:17Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of faith over works in the pursuit of sanctification, arguing that many Christians mistakenly rely on their own efforts to achieve holiness rather than fully embracing Christ's role as their Savior and sanctifier. He critiques the 'religion of works' that leads believers to think they can earn God's favor through good deeds or preparatory distress, rather than coming to Christ as they are. Finney calls for a radical shift in understanding, urging Christians to receive Jesus in all His functions, including as their King and source of wisdom, to truly overcome sin and grow in holiness. He warns that without this complete reliance on Christ, the Church will remain spiritually stagnant and ineffective. Ultimately, he encourages believers to draw upon the promises of God found in Scripture for their sanctification and spiritual growth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having a form of godliness - The original word μορφωσις signifies a draught, sketch, or summary, and will apply well to those who have all their religion in their creed, confession of faith, catechism, bodies of divinity, etc., while destitute of the life of God in their souls; and are not only destitute of this life, but deny that such life or power is here to be experienced or known. They have religion in their creed, but none in their hearts. And perhaps to their summary they add a decent round of religious observances. From such turn away - not only do not imitate them, but have no kind of fellowship with them; they are a dangerous people, and but seldom suspected, because their outside is fair.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
form--outward semblance. godliness--piety. denying--rather as Greek, "having denied," that is, renounced. the power--the living, regenerating, sanctifying influence of it. turn away--implying that some of such characters, forerunners of the last days, were already in the Church.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Having a form of godliness,.... Either a mere external show of religion, pretending great piety and holiness, being outwardly righteous before men, having the mask and visor of godliness; or else a plan of doctrine, a form of sound words, a scheme of truths, which men may have without partaking of the grace of God; and which, with respect to the doctrine of the Trinity, the church of Rome has; or else the Scriptures of truth, which the members of that church have, and profess to hold to, maintain and preserve; and which contains doctrines according to godliness, and tend to a godly life and godly edification: but denying the power thereof; though in words they profess religion and godliness, the fear of God, and the pure worship of him, yet in works they deny all; and though they may have a set of notions in their heads, yet they feel nothing of the power of them on their hearts; and are strangers to experimental religion, and powerful godliness: or though they profess the Scriptures to be the word of God, yet they deny the use, the power, and efficacy of them; they deny the use of them to the laity, and affirm that they are not a sufficient rule of faith and practice, without their unwritten traditions; and that they are not able to make men wise, or give them a true knowledge of what is to be believed and done, without them; and that the sense of them is not to be understood by private men, but depends upon the infallible judgment of the church or pope: from such turn away; have no fellowship with them, depart from their communion, withdraw from them, and come out from among them: this passage sufficiently justifies the reformed churches in their separation from the church of Rome.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:5 People like that (3:2-4) had rejected sound teaching and cut themselves off from the power that could make them godly (see 1 Tim 1:5-11; Col 2:16-23).