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NASB | 2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 3:5 holding to a form of [outward] godliness (religion), although they have denied its power [for their conduct nullifies their claim of faith]. Avoid such people and keep far away from them. |
Bible Question:
Hi Nolan, Thank you for your response. I agree with your answer, also that the term 'end times' refers to the time period since Jesus ressurection. I would like to focus in on verse 5, if I may... we are commanded here to turn away from such a people as described in the above passages. "...having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away..." My question to you then is this...do you believe this could also mean our own family? And to extend that question just a bit further...do you believe it could also mean nations and peoples, opposed to just individules? I look forward to your comments. Thanks! coop1 |
Bible Answer: Greetings coop1! Yes! These verses in 2 Thess. 3 could even be including members of our own family. For Jesus said, "Mat 10:34 "Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword! Mat 10:35 For I came to turn 'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Mat 10:36 A person's enemies will be members of his own family.'" [International Standard Version] I come from a very disruptive family, more disruptive then any average "church family", and my father was a pastor! :-) But I have seen divorce, death, beligerance, stubbornness, and outright sin effect my family on many occasions. That partly explains the reasoning behind my hesitation to marry, since I am still single. But the Lord is beginning to heal our family once again, primarily through me and my cousins (who are also saved), who have decided to take a stand for Christ, no matter what happens! And in this way, my cousins are closer to me than my own brothers, sisters, mother, or father, who unfortunately continue to hurt each other by their actions and words. I am 25 years old and haven't lived with either one of my parents since I was 18 and able to "escape" and go to college. As for a 'national' perspective, I would agree, since there are many nations out there who are presently persecuting Christians (www.persecution.com) and those who hold to a religion ("having a form of godliness"), that has no resemblance at all to Christianity. Blessings to you! Nolan |