Paul counsels Timothy and all future leaders to be alert to the dangers confronting the church. Besides a personal vigilance lest he succumb to the evil practices here described (vs. 2-5), Timothy was to point out publicly these insidious tendencies and practices, which were curtailing the influence of Christianity. Through the years the behavior of nominal church members, that is, those who profess loyalty to God’s way of life and yet reveal no tangible evidence of a development in Christlikeness, has been a greater handicap to the progress of the gospel than any other factor. Compare 2 Cor. 2:14-16; 1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Peter 3:12.
The power thereof.
That is, the power of God, which cooperates with the will of man for the eradication of all sinful tendencies (see on Rom. 1:16; 2 Cor. 13:4; Eph. 3:20).
Form of godliness.
That is, the external characteristics of religion, such as church attendance, church gifts, and even personal service for the church. This characteristic applies specifically to those who identify themselves with Christianity.