Free Bible Commentary
“1 Timothy 4:1-5”
Categories: 1 Timothy“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Christians can, and do, and will “fall away from the faith” (verse 1). This is a stern warning to all of us who think that we are standing tall and strong—we can fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). If we “pay attention” or “give heed” to the deception of the “deceitful spirits” of false teachers, we can fall victim to our own ego’s desire to have our “ears tickled” with a soothing message that pleases our own deceitful heart (2 Timothy 4:1-5). These are the “doctrines of demons” because what they profess is more in line with what Satan wants for us than what God wants for us.
I am a person who does not shy away from having my faith challenged, and I will usually give people the courtesy of listening to what they have to say. But it must always be done with the mindset to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Always, but always compare what you hear another person say about God and His will for you to the Bible’s clear teaching and the “simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:1-4).
Paul warns against hypocrites and liars who teach with a seared conscience that is past feeling or caring (verse 2). But there are also people who honestly believe the lies that they teach, and who truly believe that they have your best interests at heart. Either way you look at it, whether it be from false motivations or the best of intentions, your soul’s salvation is far too important to leave it in the hands of another fallible human being. Search the Scriptures daily, and do so with an honest heart that is open to the transforming truth of God’s inspired revelation. Please do not just assume that what you believe is the truth.
By the way, please do not ignore the specific warnings against the particular false teachings that Paul emphasizes in these verses. If you belong to or support a religious organization that forbids marriage for some or all of its members, and advocates abstaining from certain foods completely or during certain times of the year, let this serve as a wakeup call. Not only do these types of ascetic practices not originate from God, the Bible actually speaks expressly against them. “Therefore, 'Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you’” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
Let’s stay with 1 Timothy 4:1-5 for tomorrow and have a few more comments.
You are invited to come worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ.
We assemble at 3741 Taylorsville Road in Louisville Kentucky.
9:30 AM Bible classes for all ages. 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM worship services.
Have a blessed Lord’s Day!
- Louie Taylor
Share
