Lesson 5:
Denying the Power of Godliness
1. It is evident that not all who profess faith in Christ will be saved.
a. We may be religiously active, yet be self-deceived. (Matthew 7:21-23; James 1:22)
b. Are we denying the power of godliness in our lives? (2Timothy 3:5)
2. What is this power they deny?
a. Look at the context. (2Timothy 3:1-5)
i. They profess godliness, but their works deny it. (Titus 1:16)
ii. Their religion has no practical affect on their thinking or behavior!
b. The power they deny involves a transformation. (Romans 12:1-2)
i. It is the power within the gospel to make us holy and acceptable to God.
ii. It is power that shapes us to be like Christ, rather than like the world.
3. Surely no truly religious person would ever be so wicked! Right?
a. Look again; it isn’t describing murder or child molestation. (2Timothy 3:1-5)
i. There is an appearance of righteousness. (2Timothy 3:5-7)
ii. They eventually even deceive themselves. (2Timothy 3:13)
b. Does this describe you or me?
i. Are we ever guilty of being selfish, worldly, greedy, proud, stubborn, or ungrateful?
ii. Do we overlook these faults because they aren’t “so bad” and we are Christians?
4. God wants to change us
a. The gospel isn’t just about “getting saved.”
i. In order to save us, God must change us.
ii. Unless we yield to the gospel’s transforming power, we will not be saved!
b. Is salvation a one time event or an ongoing process? Yes!
i. Salvation involves a point in time when we obey the gospel. (Acts 2:37-41; 2Thessalonians 1:8)
ii. Salvation also involves an ongoing process of spiritual growth. (Philippians 2:12-13; 2Peter 3:18)
c. God isn’t making church-goers; He wants disciples of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20)
i. A disciple learns from and follows (i.e. imitates) his teacher.
ii. We may be devout church members, but are we faithful disciples of Christ?
iii. Are we consciously patterning our daily walk after the example and teachings of Jesus?
d. True religion is not outdated, irrelevant, or impractical.
i. Our faith in Christ should have the practical effect of changing our lives.
ii. We become a different person, a new creature, one born again. (2Corinthians 5:17)
iii. Our life now revolves entirely around following and serving Christ. (Philippians 1:21; Galatians 2:20; Romans 8:29; 2Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 3:9-10)
5. Am I a disciple of Jesus, or am I denying the power of godliness to change who and what I am?
a. Has my profession of faith had a profound, practical affect on my life?
b. Am I substantively different as the result of becoming a Christian?
c. Do I define my spiritual life by membership in this church or in an ongoing habit of spiritual growth in Christ?
d. Is there a connection between my faith and the moral and spiritual quality of my character?
Joel M. Ellis, Jr.
joelmark@peoplepc.com
www.eastcolumbuschurch.com