Identification of the Godly # 3
It is equally true that some of God's own children suffer spiritual declines; and while they are in a backslidden state, they differ, practically, very little from the unregenerate; as Paul said of the Galatians, "I stand in doubt of you" (4:20). Backsliders have no Scriptural warrant to regard themselves as children of God; still less to expect others to accredit them as such. But it is not of them we write; but rather of the ones who bear the marks of those who are in Christ Jesus.
"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). It is be duly noted, that this verse occurs in a passage which describes a time of apostasy; and therefore, it is one which is most pertinent to our own day. "The last days" of verse 1 do not signify the closing days of this era - but mean this Christian age itself, which is the final one in the earth's history. In this Christian age, there would be "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1), there would occur and recur seasons of declension and departure from God, for the passage is describing not the profane world - but the professing world; not the character and condition of men in general - but that of nominal Christians in particular. This is clear from "lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God" ((3:4), for those in the professing world do not pretend unto any love for Him.
It is further borne out by what is said in verse 5. It is this feature of it which makes the passage of such deep importance to us at the present juncture.
Now, if one carefully notes the different characteristics enumerated in verses 2 to 4, there should be no difficulty in identifying those who possess the same. Not that all of those features are stamped on each one of them - yet sufficient to classify them. And it is not the slightest breach of charity - but rather, a sober statement of fact - when we say that many, in fact most, of those very features are now borne by the majority of "church members" professing to be Christians; yet who are highly indignant if anyone dared to challenge their claim! But God requires us to judge them and act accordingly: "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them" (2 Timothy 3:5). This clearly implies two things: That God's people are able to clearly recognize such characters; and that they must have no fellowship with them.
Should they disregard that injunction, the consequences would be most serious - compare Revelation 18:4-5, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes."
Those mentioned in verse 5 - and there are a multitude of such today - are described as, first, "having a form of godliness," which means that they have a religious veneer. They bear the name Christ, belong to some so-called evangelical church, and seek to create the impression that they are regenerate people. But like the foolish virgins, they "took their lamps - and took no oil with them" (Matt. 25:3, 4), they are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit, nor made partakers of the transforming grace of God. For it is said of them, secondly, "but denying its power" (2 Tim. 3:5), the reality of vital godliness is lacking, the beauties of holiness are not found in them. By their lips, they claim to be godly - but by their lives, they give the lie to it. "They profess that they know God; but in works they DENY Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16). And with such, the children of God are to have nothing to do - to shun them as they would the plague!
In contrast from such characters, the apostle said to Timothy, "But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions" (2 Timothy 3:10).
There is the genuine gold - set over against the tinsel. There is the power of godliness, set over against the mere "form" of it. It consists of soundness in doctrine, for where there is not that, there can be none of the others. It consists of a definitely marked "manner of life," treading the path of obedience, in subjection to God's authority. it consists of the presence and exercise of spiritual graces. It consists of evoking and encountering the hatred and opposition of godless religionists. Then Paul adds - as though to say, my testimony and experience is common to the redeemed, "yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12).
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 4)
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