Note 6 at 1 Tim. 4:2: Although the origin of false teaching comes from these deceitful spirits they must use humans to propagate their doctrines. These human propagators are hypocritical and have "seared" consciences (see note 7 at this v.). They are men who speak, but their speaking is inspired by demons.

Note 7 at 1 Tim. 4:2: Our conscience is the part of us that discerns right from wrong (see note 9 at Rom. 2:15, p. 750). A person with a normal conscience cannot consistently act contrary to it, his conscience will convict him. A person with a "seared conscience" no longer feels that conviction, it has been "seared" (see note 8 at this v.).

Notice that Paul mentions these people speaking lies in hypocrisy before he mentions their consciences being "seared." No one has to fear his conscience malfunctioning accidentally, there has to be progressive steps taken to desensitize one to it. Lies spoken in hypocrisy are what destroys the godly function of the conscience. Therefore, it is imperative that anyone who wants to keep his conscience sensitive to God, must avoid lying and hypocrisy in all forms and degrees.

Note 8 at 1 Tim. 4:2: The phrase "seared with a hot iron" was translated from one Greek word, "KAUTERIAZO." This word literally means "to brand (cauterize), i.e. (by implication) to render unsensitive" (Strong).

This is describing the procedure of taking a hot iron and touching the flesh of a person to seal a wound and stop bleeding. In the process, the nerves are destroyed and all feeling is lost. In a similar manner, lies and hypocrisy deaden a person's conscience so that it no longer convicts him of wrong.

These people who were being influenced by the seducing spirits started out with little lies and hypocrisies which their consciences convicted them of, but for whatever reason, they persisted against the misgivings of their consciences. Every time they did that, their conscience had a little less impact, making it easier to repeat the offense and go farther the next time. Eventually, it became as if they had no conscience; they could lie without conviction.

This illustrates that the function of the conscience is not infallible; it can be altered or overcome completely. This is a dangerous state that all reprobates (see note 6 at Rom. 1:28, p. 746) are in, and no person who loves God should experiment with it.