Some will Turn Away because of Deceitful Spirits and Demonic Doctrines

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,

Insights: As we continue through our reading of the Bible chronologically this year we come to Paul’s words dealing with the state of the world in the end times.  There is a falling away by many during this time period and their are four reasons this falling away takes place.  Today we will look at the first two, but before I share those thoughts, let me share briefly about this word translated fall away.  This word is used fourteen times in the New Testament.  Eleven of those fourteen times it carries the idea of one who intentionally leaves, departs or withdraws. This word is not about someone that just starts walking and all of a sudden looks up and says, “Oh my, how did I get here?”  This word means the person knew they were walking away from the faith.  The first of the four reasons is because of deceitful spirits.  These first two deal with the supernatural realm.  These demonic hosts whisper in the ear of those who have “tried” church and tells them church does not work.  This one who intentionally walks away from the faith hears those lies and listens to them.  Then once the individual has actually bought into this lie they begin to be instructed in the ways of the demonic doctrines.  These demonic doctrines are the second reason people will turn away from the faith in the later days.  Think back to the Garden of Eden and even Jesus’ temptation experience in the wilderness.  Satan’s tools have always been to make mankind believe they themselves could become God.  His doctrines are all about self-sufficiency and not dependent upon a Savior, Jesus Christ.  Satan’s demonic doctrines tells people they can have it all here, right now, in this life.  All they have to do is sacrifice everything for their dreams and work hard and they will obtain their own satisfaction.  These first  two thoughts are similar because both deal with deception.  The distinction is the first one is getting the one walking away from faith to leave.  The second one is the lie that keeps them away from faith after they have left.  Beloved, make certain you truly are born again so that you do not fall prey to these deceptive tools of the adversary.

Questions:

1.  Are you who has bought the lie of the enemy and left the church?

2.  After your departure have you begun to buy into the lie of demonic doctrines?

Prayer: Father, I am Yours and I know that I am Yours.  Thank You for keeping me in You and not allowing me to leave the faith of my salvation.  Lord, I pray for those that may not yet truly be yours that they will stay long enough in the church to feel and hear the call of Your Son, Jesus.  Amen.