Some Will Depart!! - 1 Timothy 4-6

 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV Strong's)

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

Some Will Depart!

In a recent survey note the findings about what some Christians no believe (or, don’t believe):

1. 2/3s of people confess that having “some type” of faith is more important than what the faith is aligned to. 

2. 1/2 of “Christians” stated they believe that they can attain salvation by “being or doing good.” 

3. 58% of “Christians” stated they believe that no absolute moral authority exists. 

4. 77% of “Christians” believe right and wrong is determined by factors other than God’s Word

5. 59% of Christians said that the Bible is NOT God’s authoritative and true Word. 

6. 69% of Christians said people are basically morally good. 

Each of the above data points tell us that some are departing from the faith.   They are being lead astray by deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.   This is a strong statement for Paul to tell young, preacher Timothy.  But, Paul wanted Timothy to be strong.  Note how he ends this letter to Timothy:

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (ESV Strong's)

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

And, he closes with this:

1 Timothy 6:11-14 (ESV Strong's)

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,

In these last times some will depart from the faith.  Let it not be me!!!