Note 1 at 1 Tim. 4:1: Some doctrines are clearer in scripture than others. Those that are very clear should be supported and promoted vigorously. Those that are ambiguous should receive less attention. Yet, there are many doctrines that enjoy great popularity in the body of Christ today that are not clear teachings of scripture at all.

The things Paul is telling Timothy in verses 1 through 5 are clearly from the Lord. There is no mistake about it; apostasy is a sign of the end time (see ref. c at this v.).

Note 2 at 1 Tim. 4:1: The Apostle Peter said that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy about the latter days (see note 3 at Acts 2:17, p. 578). So, the period of time referred to in scripture as the latter days began nearly 2000 years ago. This prophecy about some departing from the faith has been taking place for the last two millenniums.

Most Bible scholars agree that there will be an increased number of apostates in the last days just before the second return of Christ. This is what Paul was saying in 2 Thessalonians chapter two (see ref. c at this v.).

Note 3 at 1 Tim. 4:1: The scripture has much to say about apostasy. In the Old Testament Satan was always trying to lure away Israel from the true and living God (Lev. 26:1; Dt. 7:25; 16:22; Ps. 81:9; Isa. 42:8). In the New Testament, men like Judas, Demas, Hymenaeus and Alexander departed from the faith (Jn. 6:70-71; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Tim. 1:19-20).

The Spirit says that in the last days that there will be those who will depart from the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3), and give their attention to deceitful, lying spirits. This reveals that the actual origin of the distortions are seducing spirits whose nature is to lie (Jn. 8:44). This should not surprise us, for the Holy Spirit said it would occur. Paul made this same point in Galatians 3:1 when he spoke of the Galatians being bewitched (see note 2 at Gal. 3:1, p. 1064).

In Matthew 24 when Jesus was asked about the end times He said, ". . .Take heed that no man deceive you" (Mt. 24:4). The Apostle Peter warned the church of false teachers being among them even as false prophets were among Israel (2 Pet. 2:1-2). Jude exhorts believers to strive and contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints (Jude 3-4). Paul speaks to overseers of the Ephesian church and warns them of wolves entering among them that would not spare the flock (Acts 20:28-31). The writer of Hebrews warns us, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Heb. 3:12).

The abundance of warnings against apostasy prove the point that demonic deception is common and dangerous.

Note 4 at 1 Tim. 4:1: The phrase "shall depart from" the faith, is the Greek verb "APHISTEMI" and means to "cause to withdraw, to remove, to desert, to withdraw one's self from, to depart or go away" (Thayer). This departure indicates a deliberate choice to remove from a former position. It is used in Luke 8:13 of one who believes for awhile and in time of temptation falls away. In Hebrews 3:12 it is used of someone departing from the living God. In Acts 15:38 it is used of a person departing from a geographical location.

"The faith" is the biblical faith or truth as it was presented by the apostles and holy Scriptures. We learn from this text that the thoughts, feelings and desires that accompany apostasy are really cleverly disguised demonic deception (Eph. 6:16). Paul states the origin of this departure as being seducing spirits and teachings of devils. It is the devils' aim to cause people to become rejecters of Christ and of the true Christian faith.

No one would ever turn away from the goodness of God without demonic deception.

Note 5 at 1 Tim. 4:1: The English phrase "giving heed" means "to give attention to, to attach one's self to or to devote thought to" (Thayer); "to hold the mind" (Strong). It is also in the present tense in Greek which shows a continuous action. These seducing spirits catch people's thoughts with things like unforgiveness, "I am hurt," "Christians are hypocrites," "Jesus is not the only way; all religions lead to God," scientific theories, false religion, etc. The result is the same, to mislead and distort the truth. The Spirit of God says this is all a sign of the latter times.