Please consider 2Timothy 3:1-5, 1. But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4. treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5. holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Please consider 2Timothy 3:1-5, 1. But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3. unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4. treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5. holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

“holding to a form of godliness…” “Godly” vs. “Ungodly” The point of considering these particular verses is that although the people described were all of those sinful things, they were also, “holding to a form of godliness…” They had the “outward appearance,” or form, of religion, but were actually “ungodly!” Jesus describes a similar situation in Matthew 15:7-9. Thus is the basis of comparison for our lesson today,

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches A basic fact, which must be acknowledged and understood before we progress is this: “Churches” are made up of “people.” And if the people who make up a church are not what they ought to be when it comes to “godliness,” then the church will be “ungodly”. This is not to say that it will be necessarily “wicked” (though it could be that too). just not “godly”- and therefore displeasing to God. So how to know if a church is “godly” or “ungodly” becomes a vitally important consideration.

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches Local churches are to be led by Elders, Deacons, Evangelists/Ministers, and Teachers, Phil.1:1; Eph.4:11. These leaders can be either “godly” (God-centered) or “ungodly” (man-centered). The leadership usually is the primary determining factor in the character of the congregation. Thus by looking at the leadership of a church, you can typically determine the nature of the congregation when it comes to “godliness” or “ungodliness.”

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches So let us examine 4 areas through which leaders influence a church to “godliness” or “ungodliness”: 1. Goals. Godly leaders have as their goals for the congregation, Eph.4:12-15; 1Tim.2:5; and 2Tim.2:15 > 3:17. Ungodly leaders have as their goals for the congregation big numbers- of people, programs, and money. They view these things as the criteria by which “success” is determined. Godly leaders want to “grow” also, but will not sacrifice Truth and principles to attain it.

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches So let us examine 4 areas through which leaders influence a church to “godliness” or “ungodliness”: 2. Doctrine. Godly leaders are determined and dedicated to abide in the doctrine (teaching) of the N.T. without falling short or going beyond it, John 12:48 & 15:7; 1Pet.4:11; 2John 9; 2Tim.4:1-2,5. Ungodly leaders will adopt doctrines that are pleasing to the greatest numbers of the public, 2Tim.4:3-4; Gal.1:10a; 2Cor.2:17.

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches So let us examine 4 areas through which leaders influence a church to “godliness” or “ungodliness”: 3. Discipline. Godly leaders will insist that church members follow the teaching of the N.T. in their conduct, Eph.5:1-2; Phil.3:17; 2Thess.3:7; or else be “withdrawn” to discipline them, 2Thess.3:6-15; 1Cor.5:1-13. Ungodly leaders will advertise, “Come as you are” and boast of their “broadmindedness” in accepting everyone regardless of their manner of life, cf. 2Tim.3:1-7,13.

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches So let us examine 4 areas through which leaders influence a church to “godliness” or “ungodliness”: 4. Worship. Godly leaders will insist that God be worshipped with an “acceptable service with reverence and awe” Heb.12:28; and that services are in “spirit and truth” John 4:24. They will demand that the preaching be sound, scriptural, and saving, 1Cor.2:2. Ungodly leaders will place great emphasis on services that entertain the public and leaves them feeling “good about themselves.” Sermons will appeal to the emotions with jokes, stories, and “testimonies,” rather than to the scriptures, and understanding & obeying them, Phil.3:19.

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches What do you seek in a church? One where God is revered and worshipped, or you are entertained and emotionally stimulated? One where Truth is taught and obedience is expected, or one that only uses the Bible and God for a pre-text for food, fun, and social activities? One where the goal is remake everyone into the image of Christ through the rebuke of sin and encouragement to righteous conduct, or one where everyone is accepted- regardless of how they choose live?

“Godly” vs. “Ungodly” Churches What do you seek in a church? The church of God’s choice, or the church of your choice? A godly church, or an ungodly church?