By Dr. Lawrence Butler, The Bridge Church, Pembroke

Lesson 4: Corrupt and Reprobate Members II Tim. 3:8 In the first three lessons concerning the dangers to the church, we found members having disagreements, debates, and strife over things that really were not that important to the salvation of the soul. These types of problems may exist even while the individuals involved may be good Christian people. If these things are not overcome, faith in the hearts of the people tends to weaken and perhaps even fail. This leads to backsliding and falling away from God.

However, continuing on a path that leads away from the Lord is very dangerous. There comes a point when people choose to reject the truth deliberately. This constitutes apostasy. It differs from error concerning the truth, which might be the result of ignorance (Acts 19:1-6). It differs from heresy, which may be the result of being caught in the snare of the devil (II Tim. 2:25-26).

Apostasy occurs when deliberate actions are taken against the truth of the gospel by a conscious decision.

“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (II Tim. 3:7-8).

Many people study religion, go to church and hear sermons, but somehow never grasp the reality of being born again. According to Jesus, “… they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Many never experience this relationship with God. They learn, but never reach the truth. Be sure you have a preacher who tells you the truth and leads you to a close walk with God. Learning principles is not enough, walking with the Lord daily is required.

The two men named in this chapter are thought to be magicians in Egypt who withstood Moses and copied some of the early miracles.

They resisted the truth and are held up as examples to those who would do the same today. Their magic came to nought, and they were exposed as weak frauds. Paul uses this example to warn Timothy to watch the church for such people.

They had “corrupt minds”, and were “reprobate concerning the faith.”

They would resist the gospel message to the Gentiles and put their own spin on it. They would require the Gentiles to convert to Judaism if they could, or some other heathen religion. Timothy’s responsibility was to protect the church from such influences.