Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Turn Away from the False – Continued
Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-9 for background to this section.
Their converts (verses 6–7). The fact that Paul described “gullible women” does not suggest that all women are like this, or that men are not vulnerable to the wiles of false teachers. In Paul’s day, women were especially susceptible to this kind of experience since they had a low status in society. Whether men or women, people who fall for this false religious system have the same characteristics.
They are burdened with guilt and looking for some escape from bondage and fear. They find themselves unable to control their “various lusts” and desires. The emphasis here may be on sexual problems. Finally, they are always searching for truth, trying this approach and that; yet they are never able to be satisfied. This kind of person is fair game for the cultists and the religious racketeers.
These false religious leaders take advantage of the problems people have, and promise them quick and easy solutions. They “worm their way in” and soon control people’s lives. It is not long before these leaders grab their followers’ loyalty, money, and service. And their “converts” are worse off than they were before. They still have their problems, but they have been duped into thinking that all is well.
Remember this as well: All of this underhanded activity is done in the name of religion! No wonder Paul told Timothy, “From such people turn away.”
Their religious leaders (verses 8–9). Take some time to read Exodus 7-9 for the record of the contest between Moses and the Egyptian magicians. Tradition says that the magicians were Jannes and Jambres, two men mentioned by Paul in this epistle to Timothy. These men opposed Moses by imitating what he did. When Aaron’s rod turned into a serpent, the magicians cast down their rods and they turned into serpents. Moses turned the water into blood, and the magicians followed with the same miracle. When Moses brought up all the frogs, the magicians duplicated the miracle. But when it came to the miracle of the lice, the magicians could not imitate it (Exodus 8:16-19).
Satan is an imitator; what God does, Satan counterfeits or tries to counterfeit. The religious leaders in the last days will have a counterfeit faith, and their purpose is to promote a lie and resist the truth of God’s Word. They deny the authority of the Bible and substitute human wisdom and philosophy. In their attempt to be “modern and progressive,” they deny the reality of sin and people’s need for salvation. “Disapproved [reprobate in the KJV],” is the word Paul used to describe them. This means “unprincipled, depraved” in other words, “tested and found to be counterfeit.”
Jannes and Jambres were finally exposed and made fools of by the judgments of God. This will also happen to false teachers and the leaders of false religions in the last days. When God’s judgments fall, the true character of these counterfeits will be revealed to everyone.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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