The Deception of Form Without Power (Santosh Poonen)

A warning especially to men about the deception of hypocrisy: Beware of becoming content with a good reputation in the church, when your inner life is not ignited by the fire of God. A deception watch-list especially for men: sexual lust and addictions; anger; Mammon; unforgiveness. Jannes and Jambres were able to duplicate miracles using rods which were not empowered by a secret igniting encounter with God like Moses’ rod was (Exodus 7:10-12, 8:18). In the same way, the Devil will try to deceive Christians with a duplicate “godliness” which lacks true power within. A warning especially to women about the deception of insubmission: Beware of pursuing knowledge that leads you away from submission to your husband. A deception watch-list especially for women: when your husband is spiritually weak or struggling; when your expectations of your husband are not me; when you are discouraged or swayed by impulses. This is how you can test the real knowledge of the truth: it comes through repentance (II Timothy 2:25) and will result in your being set free from sin (John 8:32).