2Tim 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
Brethren, this is a good checklist for every end time Christian without any exception. If we find that we are weak in any area (many of us will find that we fail in many areas), we have no choice but to admit, confess, repent and humble ourselves before the Lord for His help and deliverance. Without the knowledge of our own weaknesses, how do we expect to change. Our destiny is in our own hands. Even the grace of salvation was in our own hands. Had we not decided to accept His everlasting gospel then we would definitely have to face insecurity, helplessness and damnation. We must be sincere to ourselves so that at our genuine repentance, His abundant grace of giving the Spirit of truth to dwell in us will help convict and deliver us from all the above weaknesses.
Gal 5:24-25 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
having a kind of godliness but denying its power
Unfortunately these so-called Christians in practice do not really believe the bible nor the power in His words which can transform them into the image of our Lord Jesus Christ for His words are spirit and they are life.
John 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."
However, they walk according to their own carnal lust and greed for there is no fear of God in them otherwise they would have kept His words and have crucified their flesh.
1 Cor 2:13-14 These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Mat 15:8-9 "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
Unfortunately, many Christians today no longer worship God in Spirit and in truth, because they no longer endure sound doctrine but prefer the writings of men more than the word of God. These books with heretic teachings are easy to accept for they are mainly based on worldly wisdom, which helps to satisfy their lusts or desires thus corrupting them and making them to be more carnal and worldly.
2Tim 2:3-4 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Brethren, therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2Cor 4:1-2
