The Real Danger of Hypocrisy (2 Timothy 3:1-9)

In our passage of Scripture, apostle Paul gives Christ followers a dose of reality concerning the times in which we live. He tells us that "in the last days difficult times will come" (3:1). The Greek word for "difficult" is used to describe the savage and brutal nature of two demon-possessed men (Matthew 8:28). It means, "harsh, fierce, savage." To confirm that our times are harsh, fierce, and savage, all you need to do is look at the daily news events! Paul is telling us that there will be various times or seasons where the church will face intense, sometimes savage opposition. Paul goes on to describe in detail the kind of evil men who instigate the opposition against the church. Now please catch this! As you read through this list of evil characteristics, you probably think of the enemies of God that never come to the church house. But when you arrive at verse 5, the surprise kicks in! Paul says that these people hold "to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power." You realize, "Oh my, he's talking about those within the church!" Paul is describing those who profess to follow Christ! But their religion is only an empty shell. They lack the reality of a genuine walk with God, who examines the heart. They may talk a good talk, they may put on a good front, but in their motives, their thoughts, their attitudes, and their personal relationships, they are not godly people. What's Paul's counsel? "Avoid such men as these" (v. 4). But, here's the real deal. Paul is writing these words for us to do some personal inventory as we read this list and ask, "Jesus, is it me? Am I drifting into holding to only a form of godliness?" "Jesus, am I denying the power of godliness to transform my heart?" Paul's message to the Christ follower is, avoid hypocrisy. Paul's message to us is it's easy to fall into this trap of outwardly professing one thing, but inwardly living another way. The reason that unbelievers so often complain about all the hypocrites in the church is that there are many hypocrites in the church! Paul's wise counsel to us is to make sure that we're not one of them! Your move. Be encouraged!