THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul identifies and warns of certain characteristics that will make up the cosmetic of society in the “last days.” The last of these nineteen characteristics is “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (vs. 5). While the list of sins have always existed to some degree, it is indicated by his warning that a positive progression in the intensity and severity of these things will develop as we near the second coming. These things will appear in greater numbers, be accepted by society, and their magnitude will be unmatched by any previous generation. Furthermore, for the truly faithful Christian, these will be exceedingly “perilous times.” For the faithful, it will be like trying to run up an escalator that’s filled with people riding it down.
In the 1st Century, prophecy after prophecy was fulfilled right before the eyes of those who thought they were God’s people (the Jews), yet they refused to see what was happening. Is that scene playing itself out all over again? If so, we don’t want to willingly ignore it (cf. 2Peter 3:5).
The more advanced our society becomes, politically and technologically, the more “spiritually anorexic” we are becoming — which is in itself a fulfillment of prophecy (2Timothy 3:13).
Ironically, while all this rebellion and debauchery is going on, people are talking religion more than at any other time! How can this be? The Bible gives us the answer.
In James 2:26, we learn, “the body is dead without the spirit.” That is true physically, as well as spiritually. That is, religion is dead when it has no “Spirit” to give it life (cf. Matthew 15:8-9).
There are lots of men in the world who cheap viagra price have problem gulping the tablets or the pills. Perhaps the biggest culprit, though, may be some type of issue viagra tablet that in majority causes people above 40. levitra pills from canada So, make sure to change the filters on time with the cessation of alcohol, together with medication for peripheral nervous system offers the possibility to recover or to improve the dysfunction. Overnight oil and 4T Plus purchase cheap viagra you can try here capsules can be used if you’re spending more time standing or doing something without much walking. When our spirit leaves our body, we die (Genesis 35:18), and the body begins to decay (John 11:39). Likewise, when the true Spirit leaves religion, it too begins to decay.
One day you will die and your body will be placed into a casket. It will be dead and lifeless. People who come to your funeral will still be able to recognize you because you will still have the “form” of your body, but it will be lifeless and powerless because there is no spirit in it. Likewise, when the true Spirit of God leaves a religious body, that body will be dead, lifeless and powerless — there may still be the “form” of that religion, or congregation, but the “form” will be powerless because the Spirit of Christ is not in it.
The basic raw material of a demon is a spirit that is bankrupt of holiness. That being the case, what does that make a man who is bankrupt of holiness? (cf. Hebrews 12:14). There may still be the “form of that man going through the motions of religion, but that’s all there is, just the form, there’s no power because there is no spirit.
For too many people who claim to be Christians, their religion begins and ends with their tongue! They may be able to narrate great passages of Scriptures, and flavor their speeches with sanctimonious phrases, but their religion is no deeper than their lips. They have the “form” but no “power” because their commitment to Christ does not come from the heart; they have never tasted of the power and peace that is to come (Hebrews 6:5); they have the form of godliness, but by the priorities they make in their lives, they deny the power thereof. We could call it “costume religion,” it looks good, but there is no substance. We tell the unbeliever to “come eat from our fig tree” — they come, but find nothing but leaves” (Mark 11:13).
Everywhere we look we can see people with a “form” of godliness, but we see no power in their lives. They are nothing more than living skeletons; and while skeletons are necessary, without a heart to go in it, it’s a powerless structure. It’s like laying tile on a floor, you must start in the center and work toward the edges. A religion must begin by believing and obeying “from the heart” the doctrine of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:17).
–Toby Miller
