“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5)
There are times when God uses Scripture to educate us. This is one of those times. This world is not without dangers. What a blessing we have these warnings! We may encounter people like this who act religious and all high and mighty. God looks at their hearts, their motivation. So should we.
Context: In this section, Paul warns us about the dangers of end times. Lately, I’ve heard many people discussing their opinion that we are in the “end times.” As I’ve cautioned before, we have been in the end times since Jesus returned to heaven as we await his return. However, these warnings are not to be ignored. Paul is talking about the regular, everyday kind of people we are likely to encounter.
Paul could be referring to our neighbors, our coworkers, our loved ones. No one is immune to the trappings of the world. This picture of humanity can be quite frightening, however having awareness of what to look for is priceless.
Have you ever been disillusioned by someone who fits this description? They talk the talk and say all the right things. But when it comes down to what’s in their heart and who they trust with their life, Jesus is nowhere to be seen. It can be painful to realize you’ve been “duped,” but it’s better to take Paul’s counsel and “stay away” from these people.
Do you think running the other way is the best? Wouldn’t it be better to try and help these people see the truth? I have struggled with that notion in some of my own relationships. I’ve learned there is no changing people who don’t want to be changed. When someone resists change or thinks their way is best, nothing we can do or say can change that. Only the Holy Spirit himself can clean out the gunk in their hearts keeping them from the holiness God desires for his children.
The other danger not mentioned in this verse is the probability of falling ourselves. When we trust the wrong people and not God, we set ourselves up for failure, getting lost in a spiral of sin. Why put ourselves in harm’s way like that? Paul also warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
Maybe you’re in a relationship right now where you feel trapped by someone like Paul describes here. You don’t know how to escape and stay away as Paul suggests. What then? Pray. Pray hard for God to deliver you. I thank God every day he answered that very prayer for me. Trust God because he is in the business of rescuing those who put their faith in him.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for sharing your wisdom with me through your Word. Forgive me for the times when I have not paid attention or thought I could do it myself. This verse is a great reminder of how you warn us and look out for us. I am so grateful for your loving mercy. Forgive me for each misstep I have made taking me further from you. I choose to follow you. Still my heart so I can hear from you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
