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The Danger of Departures
1 Timothy 4:1-
Once again, Paul writes about the dangers of departures from the faith. He begins this section by invoking the words of the Spirit. A departure from the faith, an apostasy, was a constant concern of Paul. He had earlier warned the elders at Ephesus of a departure.
“I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears.” Acts 20:29-
Earlier in the letter, Paul warned about the danger of the Judaizing teachers. In this chapter, he considers a different threat: the Gnostics. This group claimed to receive special divine revelation about God. As indicated by Paul, they believed spirituality was achieved through celibacy and certain dietary restrictions. They also believed that God could not inhabit flesh because flesh was sinful; therefore, Jesus was not God in the flesh (this point is not dealt with in this text).
Paul, Silas, and Timothy had brought the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Ephesus. The saints at Ephesus had been given everything they needed for their salvation. There was no need to alter the Gospel. Concerning the issue of marriage and food, neither are prerequisites for salvation. We have the liberty to choose marriage or celibacy. We have the liberty to eat meat or be vegetarian. Faith in the Gospel is what matters most.
More broadly, this passage teaches us there are spirits in the world seeking to harm us. When an evil spirit finds a willing body, the spirit will use him or her to promote false teaching. The apostle John wrote in response to the Gnostics. He warned about evil spirits and false prophets working to destroy our faith in Jesus (1 John 4:1-
Paul said these teachers were insincere liars with seared consciences. Their character stood in stark contrast to Paul and Timothy. The aim of their charge was love that issued from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5).
QUESTION
1. Describe the process of departing the faith.
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