5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
5 having a form [outward shape] of godliness but denying its power.
The second contrast (first contrast previous verse) summarizes the superficial piety of religious or lost people. False teachers will have the appearance of godliness or piety, but they deny the use of its “power” (Ro 14:17; 1 Co 4:20). These people use religion to exploit others. They are spiritual counterfeits.
Those with the outward shape of religion reject the way God works in individuals with inherent power. The Greek word dynamis here carries the idea of God’s enabling power.
And from such people turn away!
Timothy was to ferret out false teachers from authentic teachers of God’s Word. He was to rigorously renounce their leadership. These individuals were already in the Ephesian church.
PRINCIPLE:
There is a difference between looking godly and practicing godliness.
APPLICATION:
It is dangerous for the professing church to allow false teachers to occupy its leadership and pulpits. All this is the pretense of Christianity “denying its power.” Their Christianity becomes a shell rather than them possessing the dynamics it affords. Pastors and churches must reject these people. That rejection must be decisive; otherwise, their false teaching will sweep them into the vortex of apostasy and sinful behavior. Biblical truth combines form with genuine godliness.
