Avoid Those of Empty Spirituality

2 Timothy 3:1-5    
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

Though we are to avoid arguments as we speak the truth in love, the reality is that we face a continuing downward spiral of inwardly focused people, making the times more dangerous and filled with tribulations and trouble.  Timothy was warned almost two thousand years ago, and this advice applies equally to us today, if not more.  We see the self-seeking and self-loving of people around us as they love money, boast in their accomplishments or status, taking vengeance over forgiveness, speaking evil lies against others, while they blaspheme God and man.  We further see these other characteristics mentioned: no self-control, brutally attacking and murdering each other, hating what God calls good, obstinate and self absorbed, and loving fleeting pleasure over the eternal God and His Christ.  These sometimes even seem to claim a godliness or spirituality, but refuse to attribute God’s power or work in anything.  At least not the God of the Bible.  We are not to assent to this behavior, but avoid such people who only seek destruction and refuse to hear of sin, righteousness, and the judgement to come.  God’s sheep listen and are convicted by His word and Spirit, and these we seek with news of the kingdom of which we are ambassadors.