In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what does ';have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power'; mean?

@ 2 Timothy 3:1-5. It talks about personality traits that people would demonstrate in the ';last days';. Of special interest is the notation in vs. 5 -- it says people would ';have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power';. What do you think that means?In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what does ';have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power'; mean?
Compare these verses:





2 Cor 11:13-15:


For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.








Titus 1:6


They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what does ';have a form of godly devotion but prove false to its power'; mean?
I'm pretty sure it alludes to those who claim to be godly but don't live up to it.


There are a lot of people in the church that only say they are Christians and even pray, but live a life that is very far removed from biblical values. There are 'godly' men who abuse they're wives and preachers who have affairs and clergy that molest children.There are tele-evangalists who rip people off thousands of dollars by manipulating tithes and offerings. In the churches I used to go to there was as much back biting and gossip as there was in any secular club. One would think that godly people would be different being devoted to God and all.


These type of people have a form of Godly devotion and 'prove false to it's power because they are obviously not 'practicing what they preach'


This was initially the reason I left the whole church scene.
The proper rendition of that verse that is closest to the original Greek is: ';Having a form of godliness but denying the power.';





This applies to people who appear to be godly or claim to be godly but they have no personal relationship with God and deny His power to do what He says He will do and conversely their lives are powerless as well in the spiritual realm.
I think it is a warning against smugness in one's beliefs. Christians can be..well...arrogant. I think it comes down to the difference between humbly and compassionately praying for a person and that passive/aggressive ';I'll pray for your soul'; that many Christians employ to express distaste with another persons actions or beliefs.
Religion changes the character of people. The power of piety sometimes includes the power to heal. We see the form of religion in people trying to please their communities by appearing to be pious but deep inside they really are weak and easily tempted.
They look like ';power Christians'; but their doctrines reveal them as fakes.
';Wolves in sheep's clothing';. ';They'; can 'act' the part but behind closed doors they are 'different'.
It means that they give lip service to the faith, but they don't walk in it.
It means that some will know of God but not know God.