1. 2 Timothy 3:1-9

2. Exhibitionism As Religion
Matthew 6:1-6 - Some people make sure everyone notices when they are acting out their religion.
Instead of seeking to please God, they seek after the things that please men – Galatians 1:10
Our religion is not to be a hidden thing – Matthew 5:14-17
Pharisees performed deeds of God, but made sure others noticed them – Matthew 23:5,14,28
Sought the glory of other men – John 5:44

3. Sensuality As Religion
Pagan religions known for use of sensual desires to attract worshipers
Religion only in form, but its focus is on the world – God is Spirit
Those who pervert gospel of Christ will stoop to such means – 2 Peter 2:12-15,18,19
2 Timothy 3:2-7 – Holding only a form of godliness

4. Self-Abasement As Religion
Glorify self-denial – opposite of those who pursue pleasures of the senses
Jews fasted, but not for God – Matthew 6:16- 18
You cheat yourself when you delight in self- abasement – Colossians 2:18,19
If we belong to Christ, these do not make sense- Colossians 2:20-23
It is a doctrine of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1-5

5. Holding On To The Pattern
Retain the pattern of sound words – 2Timothy 1:13.14
We became Christians by obeying that form of teaching – Romans 6:17
“Form” is a pattern, a die struck to stamp coins with the same pattern
Makes exact duplicates
Christians to live be same standard – Philippians 3:17

6. Holding On To The Pattern
Those who follow the standard become a pattern for others – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
Same word translated “form” in Romans 6:17
We set examples by following God’s pattern
1 Timothy 4:12 – to show himself an example
Titus 2:7,8 – Titus to be an example
1 Peter 5:3 – Elders to be an example

7. True religion comes by duplicating the pattern laid down by God.

8. It might not match man’s expectation of religion, but God is not a man.