Deceiving Spirits

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.

 --1 Timothy 4:1  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on September 12, 2013 of Proverbs 4:10-17; 1 Timothy 4; Ecclesiastes 3-5.

The Apostle Paul's two letters to Timothy and his one to Titus are collectively referred to as the Pastoral Epistles because they contain instructions and principles regarding the pastoral care of the church and the qualifications to consider for its leaders. In his first letter to his young protege' Timothy, Paul provides instruction concerning church doctrine, worship, and leadership, as well as dangers the church family can expect to face. He also covers other duties and responsibilities of the church. Paul strongly felt false teaching to be a huge threat to the health of the church, and twice warned Timothy to be wary of the practice and to contend against it at every opportunity.

Paul opens his letter to Timothy, after a brief greeting in the name of Jesus, with just such a warning against false doctrine. He cautions this young man who he often refers to as his son in the ministry to stay true to what Paul taught him, not to be like some who have strayed from the truth and turned aside to idle talk. By this he means that these people wanted to be thought of as great teachers, but because they have strayed from true doctrine, all of their words become nothing more than fruitless discussion and useless noise.

In today's focus verse, Paul gets back to his concern with false teaching and issues a severe warning about heresy. He relates what the Spirit imparts, that some will lose their faith, will leave the Way, will pay more attention to those who do the work of Satan than to the servants of God. This was true in Paul's time and is still true today. And the Spirit warns it will only get worse as the End of Days approaches. Paul tells us that false teaching is inspired by demons working under Satan's command, and greedily spread by the hypocrisy of liars. The way for Christians to avoid the effects of heresy is to listen only to those who teach the true doctrine of Jesus, to live affirmative lives, and by striving through prayer to discern God's will. Those who wish to deceive are clever, and they work for the cleverest deceiver of all. But our Lord Jesus will save us and keep us from temptation if we believe and trust in Him. Our greatest and best defense against false teaching is the Truth that is Jesus Christ. Amen.

Lord Jesus, in You we have the Truth and the Way.  You are the Light that illuminates the darkness and sends the demons scurrying for cover. You help us resist temptation and discern righteousness out of deception. Thank You, dearest Savior, for being our All. In Your blessed name, O Jesus we pray. Amen.