The first question that confronts us in this passage is, what does Paul mean by “in the last days”? Does he mean the “last age” as in the church age as contrasted with the age of the Law of Moses? Does he mean the last short period of time before Christ returns, because he personally expected Jesus to return soon? Does he refer to the ignoble vessels people described in 2:20-22 who will go from bad to worse as they move toward their doom? Each possibility has merits and weaknesses as the correct understanding of this phrase.
More important to us is the behavior of these godless people. In verses 2-4 Paul describes some, but not all, of the vices of the wicked men of these days. Then in verse 5 he gives a picture of the root problem. These men have the appearance of being pious or religious, but they have “denied its power.” Being religious can be a profitable stick or routine. If a person is willing to make some moral compromises, the religious profession or career field can be a lucrative and easy course. Some make a fortune as a religious huckster. Some find a job without accountability and not a lot of hard work. Others find a career with ready-made credentials and respect. There is a corporate ladder to be climbed and many opportunities to be had. However, there must be, at some level, a denial of the power of the gospel. This denial may, or may not, be public, but at its root there is a denial of the power of the gospel to change lives, specifically their own.
These religious con men target a select set of women. Remember predators always know where and how to find prey. Literally the term Paul uses is “little women.” These are women who, for whatever reason, lack the “personal bigness” to know and accept the truth. Perhaps they are looking for a hero to give meaning to their lives. There are weak-minded men and women, but these women are easy marks and will influence their circle of friends, family, and acquaintances for the evil men. There is, thankfully, a limit to what this evil man can accomplish. They will never successfully subvert the whole church, and eventually their house of cards will fall.
There are two things we must never forget. We must never become these kinds of professional religious personalities. Second, we must never allow these to shape or influence us. Both temptations are very real for ministers today and in every age. To see the mega church pastor con man with his apparent success, it is tempting to buy one of his books or attend one of his seminars and then start down that dark path. It demands discernment to determine if these leaders are more like Jannes and Jambres or Paul and Timothy.
“Lord, help me to be big enough to stand up to false teachers. AMEN”
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