What characteristics of Jannes and Jambres should we avoid in our own lives? Setting the Scene “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, disqualified from the faith.” (2 Timothy 3:8) Who Were Jannes and Jambres? • Traditionally identified as the chief magicians in Pharaoh’s court (Exodus 7–9). • They mimicked Moses’ signs with occult power—up to a point—until God’s supremacy was undeniable (Exodus 8:18–19). • Their names became shorthand for anyone who resists God’s messenger and truth. What Went Wrong: Characteristics to Avoid • Opposition to truth – They “opposed Moses,” and by extension opposed God (Exodus 7:11–13). – See Proverbs 14:12; Acts 7:51. • Depraved mind – “Men of depraved minds” (2 Timothy 3:8). Constant exposure to truth without submission corrodes the conscience (1 Timothy 4:2). • Counterfeit spirituality – They replicated miracles through sorcery, offering a “form of godliness” without its power (2 Timothy 3:5). – Compare Matthew 24:24; Revelation 13:13–14. • Hardened heart – Even after acknowledging “This is the finger of God,” they refused to repent (Exodus 8:19). – Hebrews 3:12–13 warns of the same danger. • Prideful posturing – Their goal was public acclaim and the maintenance of Pharaoh’s status quo, not humble service (James 4:6). • Influence that misleads others – Their performance bolstered Pharaoh’s unbelief, dragging an entire nation deeper into judgment (Exodus 7:22–23). – Luke 17:1–2 underscores the seriousness of causing others to stumble. • Short-sightedness – They could mimic the signs but could not stop the plagues nor deliver anyone (Exodus 9:11). Counterfeits always collapse (Galatians 6:7–8). • Unwillingness to repent – Each disaster was an invitation to bow before the Lord; they resisted every time (Romans 2:4–5). Guarding Our Hearts Today • Submit to Scripture even when it confronts cherished opinions (Psalm 119:11). • Test every teaching and experience against the Word (1 John 4:1). • Cultivate humility: seek God’s glory, not personal platform (Micah 6:8). • Keep a tender conscience through quick, honest repentance (1 John 1:9). • Value genuine transformation over outward displays (Romans 12:2). • Encourage others toward truth, never enabling unbelief (Hebrews 10:24–25). Final Thoughts Jannes and Jambres remind us that miraculous signs, intellectual brilliance, or cultural power mean nothing if the heart resists God. Reject their pattern; choose truth, humility, and wholehearted submission to the Lord. |
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