Denying the Power of Godliness

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, HAVING A FORM OF GODLINESS BUT DENYING ITS POWER. And from such turn away." 

(2 Timothy 3:1-5)

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to US who are being saved IT IS THE POWER OF GOD. For it is written: 

'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.' " (1 Corinthians 1:17-19) 

"Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." (2 Timothy 2:7-10)

Paul reassures Timothy "according to MY gospel". The message of the cross of Christ is the power of God!  The "wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the prudent" will not accomplish what the cross desired, promises. Only our Lord Jesus Christ, head over all things to the church, which is His body, is able to direct our steps in it.