Read 1 Timothy 4. Then reread the first five verses. Who fell away from the faith and the false doctrine they profess? Ask the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions. For example, For whom do they pay attention? To what kind of doctrine do you pay attention? Is there any new strange doctrine that Paul points out that is happening in the church?
The Christian faith was preached, accepted, and lived out in a world where many ideas threatened it. There are always dangers of the gospel being distorted by adding to it or taking something from it. Paul elaborates on the errors in Ephesus and calls on Timothy to oppose them.
The first three verses talk about apostasy. Apostasy is the act of rebelling against, forsaking, abandoning, or falling away from what one has believed. Our English word apostasy derives from a Greek word that means “to stand away from.” Paul taught that apostasy would precede the Day of the Lord. The Holy Spirit has explicitly revealed this falling away from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). Apostasy in the latter times will involve doctrinal deception, moral insensitivity, and ethical departures from God’s truth. Apostasy is used by Bible Scholars that refer to the believers who abandon the validity of the gospel.
Some believe that a believer can’t lose salvation. They call this doctrine eternal security. In other words, it is known as “Once saved, always saved.” Eternal security teaches that if a person has been born again, they can not do anything to lose salvation. However, is this teaching truth?
The New Testament gives many warnings about falling away from Christ. If it was impossible to fall away, why does the New Testament warn us of this danger? Read 1 Timothy 1:5-6,19; 4:1, 16; 5:15; 6:10-12, 21; 2 Timothy 2:18; 4:2-5; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Colossians 1:21-23.
Eternal insecurity is unbiblical teaching, also. This teaching says that when one commits one sin, we cease to be God’s children. Some ministers do not teach the full scripture of 1 John 2:1. God doesn’t disown His children but disciplines them.
Where is the balance between Eternal Security and Eternal Insecurity?
Look up the following scriptures of warnings. Matthew 24:10-12; John 15:1-6; Acts 11:21-23;14:21-22; Romans 6: 12-18; 8:12-17; 1 Corinthians 9:27; 10:12; 15:1-2; Galatians 6:7-9; Colossians 1:21-23; 1 Timothy 4:1, 16; 1 Timothy 6:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Hebrews 2:1-3; 3:6, 11-14; 4:9,11; Hebrews 6:4-6; 10: 26-31, 39; James 5:19-20; 2 Peter 1:8- 11; 3:17-18; and 1 John 2:23-25.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your warning in your word. I pray that we will know your word and listen to the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus Name
Amen
