Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Timothy 3:5

5 Having a form of godliness , but denying the power thereof : From such also turn away y.

A form here is the same with a mask, or vizor or appearance, an accidental form, opposed to substance and reality. It signifieth that in the latter times there should be many such as owned themselves Christians and pretended to a right way of worshipping God, to be the Church, the onely Church of God.

But in practice though not in words denying all substantial godliness which lieth not in assuming the empty name of Christians, and making a profession, but lies in truth, righteousness, love and peace, self-denial, mortifying our Members, it being a thing attended with life and power, a man being no more a Christian, than he acts and lives like a Christian.

From such kind of Professors as were before described, the Apostle willeth Timothy to turn away, both as to having any Church Fellowship, or communion, or any intimacy of converse with them.

Marginal references: 1 Tim. 5.8. Tit. 1.16.; 2 Thess. 3.6.