A FORM OF GODLINESS. 2nd Timothy 3:5 The people described in the previous verses go so far in deception and disgraceful behavior that they may even seem to show reverence for God. That is simply religious activity that lacks a personal, living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
A 'form of godliness" makes people appear good, but the essential qualities in life are missing. Faith, love, grace, and genuine worship are core to true godliness. External appearance is meaningless; our actions reveal the falsehood of superficial form. A 'form of godliness' is merely a repetitive pattern that people imitate, giving the illusion of religion without the power to transform lives. True godliness happens when a person's nature is changed through the new birth, not just by the outward form of Christianity.
Ungodly living, sinful attitudes, and behaviors clearly demonstrate that such people are not truly Christians. Attitudes and actions show that a person may have reformed outwardly, but they lack evidence of genuine spiritual life when the Spirit of God reveals Christ to a guilty sinner through the Word of God.
They are not godly, and they deny God's power to transform a lost sinner into a living saint. We cannot associate with those who reject Christ and who are clearly not interested in becoming children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Avoiding counterfeit Christianity is not enough; we must also ensure their evil ways do not influence us. Turning away from such people means we do not support or are influenced by them. People may go to a church, use Christian words and phrases when they speak, and know the doctrines of the Bible, including the practices of those who follow the teaching of scripture, and not be saved. Practices may seem good, but faith, grace, love, worship, and heartfelt commitment to God and His word will be missing. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.” "Denying the power thereof" shows that the Holy Spirit's guidance, control, and leadership have been replaced by rituals, and believers are to deliberately turn away from them. There was some of this in the early days of the apostles, but it has grown much more widespread now. Today, many denominations within so-called Christianity rely on these rituals, which appeal to their followers. It is these rituals from which we who follow the scriptures must turn away. It is not so much different now – there is just so much more. The perils are now everywhere – from here to all the other shores. “Lovers of self” has come to mean one’s own “self-worth.” “Covetous” means hustlers, and “the shrewd shall inherit the earth.” “Boasting” is simply stating one is better than all the others. “Pride” is within, something like a lot of boasting, undercover. “Blasphemers” speak evil without a thought of all God calls holy. To disobey parents means a younger person thinks of himself only. “Unthankful” indicates one thinks they are “entitled.” “Unholy” is the opposite of “like God”: with oneself enamored. “Without natural affection” means there are those who are heartless. Unforgiving “trucebreakers” – every one of them is faithless. “False accusers” are like the devil; in a minute, they will slander. Those “incontinent,” out-of-control people will go to every whim, pander. The “fierce” are brutal people, like beasts that are untamed. “Despisers of good” often find ways for the righteous to lay blame. “Traitors” are treacherous and disposed toward betrayal. The “heady” is rash and will, on others, recklessly rail. Conceited, “high-minded” people think only of themselves. “Lovers of pleasures” don’t care or worry they are on the road to hell. Those with the form or shape they think is godly – Don’t seem to realize they are already condemned wholly. But the man of God has to go against the flow. He must be committed to the scriptures in order to grow. We must stand up for what we know is right Rather than spend our energies in some useless fight. When the man of God will stand up for right and truth Amidst increasing darkness, the Light of God shines through.