1 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV)
Some Will Depart from the Faith
4 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, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence
from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
Down in the South, I often hear people quote some bad theology when they say “Once saved, always saved.” There is a lot of scripture that goes against this theology. You can’t get much clearer
than today’s text: “some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” For those who disagree, trying looking at Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 24:10–11 “10 And then many
will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” Another passage, Jesus states in Mark 13:22: “22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs
and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.” For further proof, look at the parable of the sower in Mark 4. We can see a lot of false prophets today that claim to be Christian, but are teaching a false teaching. Satan will
mascarade as an angel of light. He will fool a lot of people and lead them astray.
I pray: O Lord, help me to hunger for your Word so that when false
teachers come, I will recognize them by your Word. Help me and prepare me to stay true to your Word and Your will. Amen.