Having A Form Of Godliness

 August 27

"...having a form of godliness
but denying its power."
2 Timothy 3:5

What is "a form of godliness?"

It's doing religious things, especially in front of others. Going to church, praying long prayers, wearing religious jewelry, talking about what's wrong with the world, etc.

What is "denying its power?"

When a person is born again, his whole being and entire life is transformed. The Lord comes into their lives and changes them from the inside out, changes their interests, changes their worldview, shows them the truth and exposes to them deception that blinded them, brings them to heartfelt repentance, sets them free from things that held them in bondage for years, heals their broken hearts. They are so transformed that the focus of their entire lives becomes Jesus. That's the "power."

The born-again person's priorities will be changed. He will no longer seek to become wealthy or successful, the Spirit of God within will bring him to take on Kingdom values and pursue the kingdom of God, all the while doing all he can to bring others to salvation.

If this hasn't happened in a "religious" person's life, they are just "practicing religion." Jesus said, "You MUST be born again."

"Jesus said to his disciples,
'If anyone desires to come after me,
let him deny himself,
and take up his CROSS, and follow me.
For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Matthew 16:24-15

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of my Father in heaven.
Matthew 7:21

What is the will of the Father for your life? For that answer, you need to seek him with all of your heart. When he sees sincerity and desperation of intent, he will answer.

MORE:
What does "Born Again" mean?