Denying the Power of Godliness

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5.

Paul says, “The gospel is the POWER of God.” (Romans 1:16,) and, “Christ is the POWER of God;” (1 Corinthians 1:24.) and, “that our faith standeth in the POWER of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5) Hence it is plain, that godliness is of a powerful nature upon the soul. It consists not in form and shadow, not in notion and speculation, but in the real enjoyment of Christ in the heart, and in an experimental knowledge of the grace of the gospel, through faith. It is the grand concern of every living and lively member of Christ, to enjoy more of the light, life, liberty, and power of Christ and his gospel. While those who have only the form of godliness, are content in their heads—are clear in the notion of divine truths—if they can but see a harmony and consistency in the plan of salvation—give good account of the doctrines of grace—talk fluently about them, and contend earnestly for them. There is a species of the Gnostics among us at this day. They place all religion in head-knowledge, while they are careless about real heart experience. Such are visible and manifest by their life and walk. They talk high, and live low: they soar aloft in notion, but live and walk low in carnal gratifications, earthly pleasures, and sensual delights. Still, the form of godliness exists in their heads, but their hearts are void of the power of the Spirit, and the warm influences of the love of God and the grace of Christ. They deny all this: if not in tongue, yet in life and action. What does the apostle advise concerning such? To aim to convince them, and strive to convert their hearts to the power of the truth? No: they are so fortified with head-knowledge, that you cannot reach their hearts. It would be but lost labour to attempt it. Therefore, from such TURN AWAY. Leave them. You can do them no good. They may do you much harm. (1st.) In catching their spirit and temper. It is contagious. We may say of such, as Solomon says of the furious man, “make no friendship with him; with him thou shalt not go, lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.” (Proverbs 22:24-25) (2d.) Such professors greatly damp and abate the zeal of faith, the joy of hope, and the comfort of love, which are enjoyed in communion and fellowship with God, and his Son Jesus Christ. As they have no heart to it, nor relish for it, their conversation will not savour of it. So that you will get no help forward, but rather be driven backward. (3d.) You will be in danger of believing that false position, that you can enjoy God and the world; have fellowship with both in your hearts, while a set of notions only exist in your head. And, lastly, you will learn many specious, but carnal reasons, for throwing off all self-denial, and indulging a light, trifling, worldly spirit.

- William Mason, A Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God, Volume 2, August 13