Read: 2 timothy 3:1-5 NLT – The Dangers of the Last Days – You – Bible Gateway
“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 NLT
When referring to the end times, the last days, or the end of the world, people are quick to point to the ever-increasing sins listed in 2 Timothy chapter 4. Selfishness, boastful, ungrateful, proud, unloving, unforgiving, no self-control, loving pleasure more than God, and the list goes on. We have seen these sins throughout history and even more in the current 21st century. It is easy to see the vile sins of a fallen generation and yes they are increasing. But what is overlooked is what does not seem vile, in fact, it is looked as virtuous (good and righteous). But it belongs in the same list of sins as the others. It is ‘acting religiously.’
There are many today who act righteous but truly are not. Chuck Swindoll writes, “Paul concluded his list of ‘savage’ behavior with perhaps the most despicable of all. Some dress themselves in the august robes of godliness yet pursue their own lusts. They pretend to be godly in order to justify their own selfish desires…Today, this false godliness can range from……..corrupt minsters fleecing the flock for personal gain, to businessmen seeking networking possibilities within the church, to sanctimonious Christians rationalizing their greed.” (1) Strong words. Paul says to ‘Stay away from people like that.’ (2Tim.3:5 nlt)
Today we are beginning to witness pastors speaking evil as good and good as evil. Some people within the church are acting religiously in accepting the norms of a corrupt and perverse culture. Acceptance by the world has replaced the acceptance of the Word of God. My God-fearing Christians it is time for us to take a stand against the false religions and false teachers of our day even though they are ‘acting religiously.’
(1) Swindoll, Living Insights 1&2 Timothy. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 2014. Pg 228
Word for the Soul 