Lovers of Themselves

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

It is important to point out that Paul was writing to the Pastor of a body of believers, not to a group of unbelievers. These are apparently signs of conditions in the Church in the last days. The elevated focus on self we learned about yesterday (see July 30) could play into the deception of uninformed and unwary believers.

It is disheartening to see how many have become self-focused and selfish. The emphasis and widespread growth of social media has fueled this very disturbing downward trend. It is easier to judge and criticize others because it is done from a safe distance. The opportunities to stir up division and strife, even among family members, is without precedent.

Crass commercialism, hedonistic comparisons, inflammatory disparagement, and morally deviant normalization all combine to make the sinfulness of all this seem normal. Yet, many falsely believe their “religion” is intact. Having a “form of godliness but denying its power”, in my opinion, is true of those who do not acknowledge the power of the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin and strengthen their conscience.

The power of godliness is the Holy Spirit.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Ask the Father to identify areas where you could be described in today’s verse. Repent and surrender to the Holy Spirit for Him to change you.

Dive Deeper: Study 2 Timothy 3; Galatians 5:19-21.