The Danger of Empty Religion

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor. Paul teaches, “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). In the Bible, the “last days” refers to the period between the first coming of Jesus and His second coming, encompassing the time of the church age. In other words, the present time since the church is still here. But then you come to verse 5, where Paul says that they hold “to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” You realize, “Wow, he’s talking about and describing those who’re professing to be Christians. Some are church leaders. They preach and teach Bible studies. Holding to a form of godliness, but denying its power points to  behaviors indicative of a person who is rejecting the will and wisdom of God! Here, Paul states that false teachers and preachers are known for making something appear deceptively attractive or favorable. In other words, they’re known for putting on the “window dressing” of faith in God, but rejecting the actual power of the Holy Spirit. This echoes Paul's condemnation of evil in Titus 1:16. In other words, they want to be seen as spiritual people, or as teachers, but were not truly following God (1 Timothy 1:3–7). They had religion, but they did not have a legitimate relationship with God built upon truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Who are you listening to? Do you examine what they’re saying with the Bible? If not, shame on you! A “Christianity” that has no desire to stand against false teaching is just an empty “religion.” In our text, Paul gives Timothy (and us) a dose of reality about the times in which we live. Paul’s message to us is, we must knowingly avoid empty religion and those who propagate it. In essence, empty religion is a threat because it diverts believers from the true source of spiritual life and power: a genuine relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to His Word. Be encouraged!