2Ti 3:6-9 “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 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. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.”
The “sort” that Paul is having reference to here are the kind of people who have a form of godliness but deny the very power of God. The ways of those who deny His power should be avoided rather than given any credence. Paul describes then here in very unflattering terms. We do well to guard against such.
Creeping in does not so much imply a break-in as it does to behave in an underhanded manner. These people quietly insert themselves and their ungodly ideas into the minds of others. If we do not guard against this, we will find ourselves supporting their ungodliness. Then, their ungodliness becomes ours.
“This sort” may start out looking like friends who have our best interest at heart. As they learn more about us and our nature, they will begin to entice us (as individuals and as congregations) with ideas that appear to align with our goals. We must guard against our own cravings as much or more than the craftiness of others. Even ideas that seem good may not be if they end up giving man glory instead of God.
No one likes to think of themselves as being silly (foolish). However, the scriptures tell us that we have indeed been foolish and served various lusts (Titus 3:3). This only changed after the kindness and love of God appeared to us. Therefore, the glory belongs to God.
It is foolish to always be learning, but never learning that God is sovereign. We put ourselves in danger by allowing men who resist the truth to have a place of prominence in our lives. If they are not apt to teach the way of the Lord, then we do not need to give heed to their words or actions. They are worthless (reprobate) when it comes to reliance upon Christ for salvation (faith).
This is the only place in the scriptures that we find Jannes and Jambres mentioned. Scholarly references (from early Jewish writings) indicate that these were two of Pharoah’s greatest magicians. When Moses had Aaron to cast down his rod and it turned into a serpent, Pharoah’s magicians did the same thing. However, God caused Aaron’s rod to swallow the rods of Pharoah’s magicians, showing that His power exceeded their own.
In the same manner, the sort of men who lead silly women captive can only go so far. They will not deceive the very elect of God (proceed no further). God will display their folly to those who seek to serve Him. God will put an end to their scheming as He sees fit.
May the grace and mercy of God make us wise so that we may not be led about by foolishness!
