2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 1. Consider that familiarity with wicked men will make us like them, we are very apt to resemble those that we converse with, and as he that walks with wise men shall be wiser (Proverbs 13:20), so he that walks with wicked men shall be worse. The best mettles, when mixed with baser, are embased thereby; mix gold with brass or silver with copper, and you debase the coin; for saints to familiarly join with the limbs of Satan, not only endangers, but debaseth them. Man is a poor, weak, unconstant creature, and apt to go astray, and therefore we should shun temptations. 2. This familiarity with them may harden them in their sin, God hath ordained our separation, and withdrawing ourselves from them, as a means to humble them, and turn them from sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22.) 3. There is no comfort to be found in such society; when trouble comes, miserable comforters are they all. When Judas fell into trouble of conscience, he ran to his wicked associates, but see what miserable comforters they are to him in his extremity (Matthew 27:4). 4. It is a dishonour to our Lord and Master to be familiar with known traitors and rebels to Him. Every wicked man rebels against God. 5. It is impossible that ever we should be good so long as we delight in wicked company. 6. By familiarity with such we do not only endanger our spiritual, but our temporal estate also. (W. Birch.) Parallel Verses KJV: Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.WEB: holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. |
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