Identification of the Godly. 2

Next Part Identification of the Godly. 3

Above, we virtually covered the ground intended; but after pondering the same, we feel there are one or two points rather in need of clarification andamplification. For example, the presence of so many nominal Christians among the regenerate, and the task of distinguishing the one from the other. It is true that in every age, there have been a large number of empty professors; yet for the most part, they were easily recognised—by those who measured their outward conduct by the rules of Scripture.

It is equally true that some of God's own children suffer spiritual declines; and while they are in a backslidden state, they differ, practically, very little from the unregenerate; as Paul said of the Galatians, "I stand in doubt of you" (Galatians 4:20). Backsliders have no Scriptural warrant to regard themselves as children of God; still less to expect others to accredit them as such. But it is not of them we write; but rather of the ones who bear the marks of those who are in Christ Jesus.

"All who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). It is to be duly noted, that this verse occurs in a passage which describes a time of apostasy; and therefore, it is one which is most pertinent to our own day. "The last days" of verse 1 do not signify the closing days of this era—but mean this Christian age itself, which is the final one in the earth's history. In this Christian age, there would be "perilous times" (2 Timothy 3:1), there would occur and recur seasons of declension and departure from God, for the passage is describing not the profane world—but the professing world; not the character and condition of men in general—but that of nominal Christians in particular. This is clear from "lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4), for those in the professing world do not pretend unto any love for Him.

It is further borne out by what is said in verse 5. It is this feature of it which makes the passage of such deep importance to us at the present juncture.

Now, if one carefully notes the different characteristics enumerated in verses 2 to 4, there should be no difficulty in identifying those who possess the same. Not that all of those features are stamped on each one of them—yet sufficient to classify them. And it is not the slightest breach of charity—but rather, a sober statement of fact—when we say that many, in fact most, of those very features are now borne by the majority of "church members" professing to be Christians; yet who are highly indignant if anyone dared to challenge their claim! But God requires us to judge them and act accordingly: "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." (2 Timothy 3:5). This clearly implies two things: That God's people are able to clearly recognize such characters; and that they must have no fellowship with them.

Should they disregard that injunction, the consequences would be most serious—compare Revelation 18:4-5, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues; for her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes."

Those mentioned in verse 5—and there are a multitude of such today—are described as, first, "having a form of godliness," which means that they have a religious veneer. They bear the name of Christ, belong to some so-called evangelical church, and seek to create the impression that they are regenerate people. But like the foolish virgins, they "took their lamps—and took no oil with them" (Matthew 25:3, 4), they are not indwelt by the Holy Spirit, nor made partakers of the transforming grace of God. For it is said of them, secondly, "but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5), the reality of vital godliness is lacking, the beauties of holiness are not found in them. By their lips, they claim to be godly—but by their lives, they give the lie to it. "They profess that they know God; but in works they DENY him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate" (Titus 1:16). And with such, the children of God are to have nothing to do—to shun them as they would the plague!

In contrast from such characters, the apostle said to Timothy, "But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions" (2 Timothy 3:10, 11).

There is the genuine gold—set over against the tinsel. There is the power of godliness, set over against the mere "form" of it. It consists of soundness in doctrine, for where there is not that, there can be none of the others. It consists of a definitely-marked "manner of life," treading the path of obedience, in subjection to God's authority. It consists of the presence and exercise of spiritual graces. It consists of evoking and encountering the hatred and opposition of godless religionists. Then Paul adds—as though to say, my testimony and experience is common to the redeemed, "Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).

Once more, we would emphasize the fact that 2 Timothy 3:12 occurs in a passage which is describing a season of declension and departure from God—as the verse which immediately follows also goes on to show. Those seasons of declension are designated "perilous times" in the opening verse of the chapter; and therefore, we must supply answer to the question, What is it that particularly constitutes any "time" or season "perilous" to Christendom? Surely, the reply is obvious: It is the withdrawal of the Holy Spirit's power, when His gracious operations and unction are withheld, because insult has been done to Him. Then it is that the restraining hand of God is also removed, and the flesh is given more or less free rein. The consequences are obvious: Instead of peace, there will be strife, prayer becomes formal, preaching is flat and profitless, hoary "tradition" supplants "the present truth" (2 Peter 1:12); and a dead orthodoxy is the result.

Soon, a dead orthodoxy is followed by heterodoxy, the Scriptural standard is lowered, worldliness comes in apace, and Christ is shut out (Revelation 3:20).

"But evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13). It is religious "seducers" who are in view, the unregenerate men who occupy most of our pulpits today; and who by their "form of godliness" (2 Timothy 3:5) delude the unwary—delude them, because they fail to perceive that their lives (moral and respectable though they be) deny the power or reality and efficacy of the same.

"Perilous" indeed is a season when such preachers abound! And what the special word to us at such a time? The next verse answers: "But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of" (2 Timothy 3:14). Be not swayed by what nearly every other professor is doing—look well to your own bearings.

"Continue," do not depart from "acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness" (Titus 1:1). If others are determined to make shipwreck of the faith, see to it that you "work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." But remember that faithfulness will cost you something. In a "perilous" time, you may—probably will—have to walk alone, as Enoch did. If you resolve that by Divine grace you will "live godly in Christ Jesus," then know you that "persecution" must be your portion. And that persecution will come upon you not from atheists and infidels—but from those bearing the name of Christians. It will issue from those who still keep up a "form (or semblance) of godliness," but who are strangers to its living power. It will come to you from empty professors whose compromising ways are condemned by your refusal to conform thereto; whose worldlinessand carnality is rebuked by your spirituality. It was the religious leaders of Israel who hounded the Savior to His death!

Thus, it is by their godly living, the true are distinguished from the false, and by the opposition which they meet with from the latter, that they may be clearly identified. Their care to avoid what they call "singularity" and "puritanism"—and thus, to escape "persecution"—is what exposes the empty professor! The true people of God—then, are clearly distinguished from empty professors. The characteristic marks of the former, being: Their determination to live, at all costs, a godly life; and, in consequence, their suffering persecution in various forms—not only from open infidels—but particularly, from unregenerate church-members. The latter have something of "the form of godliness," but are strangers to its power or vital influence.

Genuine "godliness" is consistent, all of one piece, evidencing itself in every situation and circumstance. Those with merely the "form" are "religious" only at certain times, and in certain relations.

Genuine godliness one is a new nature within—manifesting itself without; the mere form of godliness is nothing but an external cloak, seeking to hide the old man. Genuine godliness issues from filial fear and spiritual love; the mere form of godliness issues from servile fear and selfish love.Genuine godliness is vitalized by the Holy Spirit; the mere form of godliness is regulated by selfish considerations, or is stimulated by emotion.Genuine godliness is lasting; the mere form of godliness is only evanescent.

Next Part Identification of the Godly. 3

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