The Relation of the Apostasy to the Christian Profession
T. Croskery 2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. I. THE EXTERNAL FORM OF PIETY IS TO EXIST UNDER THE APOSTASY. "Having a form of godliness." The picture is that of a Christianized paganism in the Church. There was to be a scrupulous regard for all ritualistic regularity; an outward show of devoutness under strict forms, and the mask of godliness over all to cover a heart in secret enslaved by sin. II. THERE WILL BE A REPUDIATION OF REAL GODLINESS. "But denying the power thereof." 1. The power of godliness consists in love to God and love to our neighbour. These were both repudiated. The class referred to were strangers to experimental religion, which they dishonoured by saying one thing with their lips and another thing with their lives. 2. Such a repudiation involves graver sin and deeper condemnation than if they had never known the truth or heard of the way of life. III. THE DUTY OF BELIEVERS IN THE APOSTASY. "From such turn away." We ought to withdraw from their fellowship, avoid all familiarity with them, hold no terms with the enemies of Christ and his kingdom. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. WEB: holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.