There is something different about living with God’s power. The same power that rose Christ from the dead lives in Christians, but so often we don’t rely on God’s power, we look too much to our own strength. Our lives are meant to be powered by the love of God, otherwise we are like a light not plugged into the wall – we can shine without His power.
Paul says they’re will be trouble in the last days, which he was living in, and so are we (notice how he tells Timothy to study away from those who act religious but have hollow faith). People still act the way they want, and people even go to religion to appear godly. The rules of religion can bring order to our lives, but also pride and arrogance. It is God alone that can gives us power to be godly – pure lives that are humble and strong, we forgive, lead, and serve.
Good has made us into lights – plug into the power!
The Dangers of the Last Days
1You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
6They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence ofa vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7(Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
Jesus Nailed It! He came to fulfill the law, but he also nailed it to the cross Col. 2:14. No longer are we slaves to rules and regulations, instead we are slaves to the One and Only– Jesus! Yipee!