A Form of Godliness, But Denying the Power Thereof (2 Timothy 3:5)

2023-08-28

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5)

To have a form religiosity without the power of God is worthy to be shunned. The word for “power” is often translated elsewhere as “mighty works.” “Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not” (Matthew 11:20). These are miraculous things.

There are many types of miracles. The transformation of wicked men into servants of Christ is miraculous. But there is also the regular usage, which we ignore. Things that are not possible within the laws of nature can be performed by the power of God.

I am not a cessationist. Except for the modern definition of “speaking in tongues” (which did not cease, they never happened), I do not believe that the miraculous sign gifts ever ceased. It begs the question though... where are these gifts and signs? Why are most of what we hear of these gifts and signs rumors from religious quacks that do not believe the Bible?

The apostles were also not the only ones who did miracles. “And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did” (Acts 8:6). And again, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people” (Acts 6:8). “To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:9-10).

The only way we get cessationism is from a misinterpretation of portions of 1 Corinthians 13. Tongues cease themselves, they say, and when that which is perfect comes, which must be when the New Testament canon is finished, they say, we don’t need them anymore. I don’t buy it.

Perhaps we live in a highly scientific world where we believe more in science than in the power of God. Perhaps too much faith in science is a form of syncretism. Perhaps we in western society are a gluttonous lot that constantly feeds the flesh, and we cannot discern the movement of His Holy Spirit.

Whatever it may be, we must believe that God can still do all things. He has power over the forces of darkness. We cannot resign to say, Well, the power of God is not the same in this age, or, That only belonged to the apostolic age. We must be resolute in both godliness and faith that God’s power is alive and well, and turn away from feelings to the contrary.

It still begs the question, where are those (real) Christians who are gifted in these areas? In these times, we need them. Lord, Please send them.