1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Introductory Thoughts

It is always a painful experience to see those who once walked with the Lord now walking contrary to Him. Families and friends are hurt because of those now living contrary to God’s dictates. Paul warned Timothy that this departure from the faith would take place in the last days. A firm and consistent stand for the faith would give way to an increase in the influence of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. No doubt, this has occurred since the inception of the New Testament church, but Paul warned that it would increase to its apex in the latter times. In response to the coming danger, Paul admonished the young preacher to be “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6). This shows that the best defense against departing from the truth is a consistent feasting upon the truth.

Devotional thoughts

  • (For children): False teachers teach heresy (a denial of the truth of God’s word). Peter tells us they will even deny the Lord. Their end is destruction and many will follow them to this destruction (2 Peter 2:1-2). Growing in grace and knowledge helps us recognize false teachers (2 Peter 3:15-18).
  • (For everyone): How do you feel when others walk away from the truth? Why do people walk away? Are they generally spiritually seduced gradually or quickly?
  • How can we ensure that we are “nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6)? How can this help us be steadfast in the faith?

Prayer Thoughts

  • Ask the Lord to nourish you in His word.
  • Ask the Lord to strengthen the saints of God at your church.

 

SONG: LOYALTY TO CHRIST

 

 

 

Quotes from the next volume

(VOLUME 4, WEEK 16)

Subject: Hope

All men live their lives based upon hope; however, not all hope is the same. One man’s hope might be that there is no life after death. Another might place his hope solely in the payment for sin provided by the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Devil blinds the lost to keep them from being born again; he distracts the saved to keep them from successfully serving the Lord. Interestingly, he accomplishes both elements using the same means – giving men misplaced hopes.

Once a man dies, all hope ceases. His destination and his reward are settled, but until that point in time, there is hope for salvation, hope for growth, and hope for spiritual change.