2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. The text may be considered two ways — relatively or absolutely. 1. Relatively. as it relates to the eighteen sins before mentioned; so this sin is the cloak to hide and cover them all; men will be lovers of themselves, but under a form of godliness. Hence observe — that a man may have a form of godliness, and yet live in all manner of wickedness. It is tree, the power of godliness cannot consist with the power of ungodliness; but the more ,the power of godliness is lifted up in the soul, the more the power of ungodliness will be suppressed; as the house of David grows stronger and stronger, so the house of Saul grows weaker and weaker. But yet the form of godliness may stand with the power of ungodliness. A man may be a glorious professor in the highest form, and yet a puny in the form of grace. He may be a blazing comet for profession, and yet be a devil incarnate in life and conversation. (T. Hall, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.WEB: holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. |
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