Knowledge alone is folly

A devotional for church leaders based on 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Bible Gateway

Paul's second letter to Timothy is an appeal for loyalty to the true gospel in the face of false teachers, but read alone and at first glance, this passage may seem to be talking about the world. The list of traits in verses 2, 3 and 4 certainly look like much of the world we see around us, and not what we tend to think when we look inwards.

Many passages talk about the "fruits of the spirit", and in some ways this list is the anti-fruits. These are the fruits of a life unchanged by the gospel.

Verse 5 reminds us that Paul is actually talking about people who could be among us, people we might even risk becoming should we conform to the will of prince of the world.

The phrase "having a form of godliness but denying its power" could simply mean to deny the spirit its work to shape us. To continue living my way and not in response to the gospel. To know that Christ has given me life but to stay dead in sin. To read the Word but not be changed by it.

Paul is warning Timothy that there are people who on the surface might look like Christians but lack the fruit of godliness in their lives. Such teachers oppose the truth, are of depraved minds, and concerning the faith, are rejected.

The passage offers some comfort, that such men will not get far. They will be known by their fruit, and their folly clear to everyone.

So, as we meet together as stewards of our small branch of God's church, let's take heed of this warning, that knowledge alone without a life changed is no more than folly. We should remember that we too will be known by our fruit - that of the Spirit - and must not merely read the Word, but live lives shaped by it.