1 Timothy 4:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
B.H. Clendennen
Paul Washer
David Wilkerson
Zac Poonen
J. Vernon McGeeJ. Vernon McGeeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly - Ῥητως· Manifestly, openly. It is very likely that the apostle refers here to a prophecy then furnished by the Holy Ghost, and probably immediately after he had written the words in the preceding verses; and as this prophecy contains things nowhere else spoken of in the sacred writings, and of the utmost moment to the Christian Church, we cannot hear or read them with too much reverence or respect. In the latter times - This does not necessarily imply the last ages of the world, but any times consequent to those in which the Church then lived. Depart from the faith - Αποστησονται - της πιστεως· They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation. A man may hold all the truths of Christianity, and yet render them of none effect by holding other doctrines which counteract their influence; or he may apostatize by denying some essential doctrine, though he bring in nothing heterodox. Giving heed to seducing spirits - Πνευμασι πλανοις· Many MSS. and the chief of the fathers have πνευμασι πλανης· spirits of deceit; which is much more emphatic than the common reading. Deception has her spirits, emissaries of every kind, which she employs to darken the hearts and destroy the souls of men. Pretenders to inspiration, and false teachers of every kind, belong to this class. And doctrines of devils - Δαιμονιων· Demons; either meaning fallen spirits, or dead men, spectres, etc., or doctrines inspired by Satan relative to these, by which he secures his own interest, and provides for his own worship.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,.... The prophecy hereafter mentioned was not an human conjecture, but, as all true prophecy, it came from the Spirit of God, who spoke or delivered it; either in the prophets of the Old Testament, who, as they spoke of the Gospel dispensation, so of the defection that should be in it; and particularly of antichrist, and of the apostasy through him, which is what is here intended, especially in Daniel's prophecies, under the names of the little horn, and vile person, Dan 7:1 and Dan 11:1, or in the Lord Jesus Christ, who foretold that false prophets would arise and deceive many; or in some of the prophets in the Christian church, such as Agabus, and others, who might in so many words foretell this thing; or rather in the apostle himself, at this time, since this prophecy was delivered not in dark sayings, in an enigmatical way, in an obscure manner, as prophecies generally were, but in plain language, and easy to be understood, and wanted no interpreter to unriddle it; and seeing that it is nowhere to be found in so many express words elsewhere: and moreover, the apostle does not say the Spirit "hath spoken", but the Spirit "speaketh"; then, at the time of the writing of these words, in and by him. The prediction follows, that in the latter times some should depart from the faith; that is, from the doctrine of faith, notwithstanding it is indisputably the great mystery of godliness, as it is called in the latter part of the preceding chapter; for from the true grace of faith there can be no final and total apostasy, such as is here designed; for that can never be lost. It is of an incorruptible nature, and therefore more precious than gold that perishes; Christ is the author and finisher of it; his prevalent mediation is concerned for it; it is a gift of special grace, and is without repentance; it springs from electing grace, and is secured by it; and between that and salvation there is an inseparable connection; it may indeed decline, be very low, and lie dormant, as to its acts and exercise, but not be lost: there is a temporary faith, and a persuasion of truth, or a mere assent to it, which may be departed from, but not that faith which works by love: here it intends a profession of faith, which being made, should be dropped by some; or rather the doctrine of faith, which some would embrace, and then err concerning, or entirely quit, and wholly apostatize from. And they are said to be some, and these many, as they are elsewhere represented, though not all; for the elect cannot be finally and totally deceived; the foundation of election stands sure amidst the greatest apostasy; and there are always a few names that are not defiled with corrupt principles and practices; Christ always had some witnesses for the truth in the darkest times: and now this defection was to be "in the latter times"; either of the apostolic age, which John, the last of the apostles, lived to see; and therefore he calls it the last time, or hour, in which were many antichrists, Jo1 2:18. And indeed in the Apostle Paul's time the mystery of iniquity began to work, which brought on this general defection; though here it has regard to some later times under the Gospel dispensation; to the time when the man of sin, and the son of perdition, was revealed, and when all the world wondered after the beast: and indeed, such will be the degeneracy in the last days of all, that when the son of man comes, as the grace, so the doctrine of faith will be scarcely to be found in the world: the means by which this apostasy will obtain and prevail will be through men's giving heed to seducing spirits; either to doctrines which are of a deceiving nature; or to men who profess to have the Spirit of God, and have not, but are evil men and seducers, deceiving, and being deceived; that lie in wait to deceive, and handle the word of God deceitfully; and by attending on the ministry of such persons, through hearing them, and conversing with them, the defection was to begin and spread; and therefore such should be carefully avoided, and their ministry shunned; nor should they be received, nor bid God speed. And doctrines of devils; such as are devised by devils, as all damnable doctrines be; and all lying ones, for the devil is the father of them; and as are all the false doctrines introduced by antichrist, for his coming was after the working of Satan; and particularly those doctrines of his concerning worshipping of angels, and saints departed, may be called the doctrines of devils, or of "demons"; being much the same with the demon worship among the Heathens, of which the devil was the inventor: unless by doctrines of devils should be meant the doctrines of men, who for their cunning and sophistry, for their lies and hypocrisy, for their malice, and murdering of the souls of men, are comparable to devils.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a prophecy of the apostasy of the latter times, which he had spoken of as a thing expected and taken for granted among Christians, 2 Th. 2. I. In the close of the foregoing chapter, we had the mystery of godliness summed up; and therefore very fitly, in the beginning of this chapter, we have the mystery of iniquity summed up: The Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith; whether he means the Spirit in the Old Testament, or the Spirit in the prophets of the New Testament, or both. The prophecies concerning antichrist, as well as the prophecies concerning Christ, came from the Spirit. The Spirit in both spoke expressly of a general apostasy from the faith of Christ and the pure worship of God. This should come in the latter times, during the Christian dispensation, for these are called the latter days; in the following ages of the church, for the mystery of iniquity now began to work. Some shall depart from the faith, or there shall be an apostasy from the faith. Some, not all; for in the worst of times God will have a remnant, according to the election of grace. They shall depart from the faith, the faith delivered to the saints (Jde 1:3), which was delivered at once, the sound doctrine of the gospel. Giving heed to seducing spirits, men who pretended to the Spirit, but were not really guided by the Spirit, Jo1 4:1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, every one who pretends to the Spirit. Now here observe, 1. One of the great instances of the apostasy, namely, giving heed to doctrines of demons, or concerning demons; that is, those doctrines which teach the worship of saints and angels, as a middle sort of deities, between the immortal God and mortal men, such as the heathen called demons, and worshipped under that notion. Now this plainly agrees to the church of Rome, and it was one of the first steps towards that great apostasy, the enshrining of the relics of martyrs, paying divine honours to them, erecting altars, burning incense, consecrating images and temples, and making prayers and praises to the honour of saints departed. This demon-worship is paganism revived, the image of the first beast. 2. The instruments of promoting and propagating this apostasy and delusion. (1.) It will be done by hypocrisy of those that speak lies, the agents and emissaries of Satan, who promote these delusions by lies and forgeries and pretended miracles, Ti1 4:2. It is done by their hypocrisy, professing honour to Christ, and yet at the same time fighting against all his anointed offices, and corrupting or profaning all his ordinances. This respects also the hypocrisy of those who have their consciences seared with a red-hot iron, who are perfectly lost to the very first principles of virtue and moral honesty. If men had not their consciences seared as with a hot iron, they could never maintain a power to dispense with oaths for the good of the catholic cause, could never maintain that no faith is to be kept with heretics, could never divest themselves of all remains of humanity and compassion, and clothe themselves with the most barbarous cruelty, under pretence of promoting the interest of the church. (2.) Another part of their character is that they forbid to marry, forbid their clergy to marry, and speak very reproachfully of marriage, though an ordinance of God; and that they command to abstain from meats, and place religion in such abstinence at certain times and seasons, only to exercise a tyranny over the consciences of men. 3. On the whole observe, (1.) The apostasy of the latter times should not surprise us, because it was expressly foretold by the Spirit. (2.) The Spirit is God, otherwise he could not certainly foresee such distant events, which as to us are uncertain and contingent, depending on the tempers, humours, and lusts of men. (3.) The difference between the predictions of the Spirit and the oracles of the heathen is remarkable; the Spirit speaks expressly, but the oracles of the heathen were always doubtful and uncertain. (4.) It is comfortable to think that in such general apostasies all are not carried away, but only some. (5.) It is common for seducers and deceivers to pretend to the Spirit, which is a strong presumption that all are convinced that this is the most likely to work in us an approbation of what pretends to come from the Spirit. (6.) Men must be hardened, and their consciences seared, before they can depart from the faith, and draw in others to side with them. (7.) It is a sign that men have departed from the faith when they will command what God has forbidden, such as saint and angel or demon-worship; and forbid what God has allowed or commanded, such as marriage and meats. II. Having mentioned their hypocritical fastings, the apostle takes occasion to lay down the doctrine of the Christian liberty, which we enjoy under the gospel, of using God's good creatures, - that, whereas under the law there was a distinction of meats between clean and unclean (such sorts of flesh they might eat, and such they might not eat), all this is now taken away; and we are to call nothing common or unclean, Act 10:15. Here observe, 1. We are to look upon our food as that which God has created; we have it from him, and therefore must use it for him. 2. God, in making those things, had a special regard to those who believe and know the truth, to good Christians, who have a covenant right to the creatures, whereas others have only a common right. 3. What God has created is to be received with thanksgiving. We must not refuse the gifts of God's bounty, nor be scrupulous in making differences where God has made none; but receive them, and be thankful, acknowledging the power of God the Maker of them, and the bounty of God the giver of them: Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, Ti1 4:4. This plainly sets us at liberty from all the distinctions of meats appointed by the ceremonial law, as particularly that of swine's flesh, which the Jews were forbidden to eat, but which is allowed to us Christians, by this rule, Every creature of God is good, etc. Observe, God's good creatures are then good, and doubly sweet to us, when they are received with thanksgiving. - For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, Ti1 4:5. It is a desirable thing to have a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. Now they are sanctified to us, (1.) By the word of God; not only his permission, allowing us the liberty of the use of these things, but his promise to feed us with food convenient for us. This gives us a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. (2.) By prayer, which blesses our meat to us. The word of God and prayer must be brought to our common actions and affairs, and then we do all in faith. Here observe, [1.] Every creature is God's, for he made all. Every beast in the forest is mine (says God), and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine, Psa 50:10, Psa 50:11. [2.] Every creature of God is good: when the blessed God took a survey of all his works, God saw all that was made, and, behold, it was very good, Gen 1:31. [3.] The blessing of God makes every creature nourishing to us; man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Mat 4:4), and therefore nothing ought to be refused. [4.] We ought therefore to ask his blessing by prayer, and so to sanctify the creatures we receive by prayer.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-5 Paul’s sound teaching (3:16) contrasts with the false teachings that he denounces. 4:1 The early church regarded itself as already in the last times (see Acts 2:16-17; Heb 1:2; cp. 2 Thes 2:7; 1 Jn 2:18-23).
1 Timothy 4:1
A Warning against Apostasy
1Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality
By Zac Poonen6.4K12:44MAT 22:37JHN 6:632CO 11:141TI 4:12TI 3:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about people who hold onto a form of godliness but deny its power. The preacher compares Satan's deception to giving someone a glass of milk with a few drops of poison, highlighting that Satan often disguises himself as an angel of light. He explains that being religious and following external religious practices does not necessarily make a person spiritual, using examples from Jesus' teachings and the Pharisees' behavior. The sermon emphasizes the need for inner transformation and a genuine love for God, rather than just outward religious observance.
Prodigal Church
By B.H. Clendennen5.2K47:29LukewarmnessMAT 11:12MAT 14:25LUK 15:13ACT 2:2ACT 2:411TI 4:1JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the prodigal son from the Bible. He compares the prodigal son to the state of the church, describing how it has become impoverished and compromised by the world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from worldly ways and returning to God. He highlights the love and forgiveness of God, using the example of the prodigal son's father welcoming him back with open arms. The sermon encourages the church to repent and seek a renewed relationship with God.
Godly Fellowship
By Paul Washer4.5K59:25Fellowship1TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not growing dull in our spiritual lives, particularly in the area of missions. He acknowledges that it can be easy to forget about missions amidst the busyness and challenges of daily life. The preacher also highlights the decline in people's ability to endure sound doctrine and sit under sermons for longer periods of time, attributing it to the influence of modern culture and lack of biblical literacy. He encourages the congregation to seek inspiration from examples like George Mueller and the great preachers of the past, and suggests surrounding oneself with Bible exhortations to stay focused on honoring Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the significance of preaching and teaching in fellowship with the godly, emphasizing the need for reproof, rebuke, and exhortation to communicate truth and knowledge to God's people.
The Great and Final Separation
By David Wilkerson4.2K47:282CH 7:14MRK 13:37ACT 2:42CO 6:171TI 4:12TI 4:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's face and being separated from the world. He challenges the congregation to examine their commitment to living a strict Christian life and not being swayed by worldly desires. The preacher acknowledges that while 95% of the Christian life may be good, it is the remaining 5% that can be detrimental. He also highlights the decline of Christianity in modern times and urges believers to stir themselves and long for the coming of Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus loved sinners and calls for personal transformation and a commitment to live out the preached message.
(Atlanta 2013) 2. Loving the Truth
By Zac Poonen3.6K54:121TI 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving the truth to avoid deception, particularly in the context of the last days. It highlights the dangers of falling away from the faith due to deceitful spirits and the significance of confronting secret sins, such as the love of money. The speaker urges listeners to seek liberation by aligning their lives with God's Word and being honest with themselves.
(Exodus) Exodus 32:26-28
By J. Vernon McGee3.3K04:53ExpositionalEXO 32:26MAT 6:332CO 6:141TI 4:12TI 4:3In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of liberalism infiltrating the church and causing a decline in its influence. He recalls a personal experience of witnessing a young man from a liberal seminary who lacked faith and knowledge of the Bible. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and upholding the great doctrines of the faith. He then references a passage from the Bible where Moses calls for those on the Lord's side to gather, highlighting the need for believers to stand firm against evil. The speaker also criticizes the soft-hearted and soft-headed approach to law enforcement, attributing the increase in lawlessness to this leniency.
(Exodus) Exodus 25:31-40
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K06:16ExpositionalEXO 25:31MAT 4:4JHN 1:9JHN 16:14EPH 5:8COL 2:81TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping God and walking in the light. He compares the lampstand in the tabernacle to Christ, describing it as a perfect picture of his deity. The preacher explains that true worship involves feeding on Christ, rather than being entertained or discussing social issues. He also highlights the need to avoid being deceived by worldly philosophies and vain deceit. The sermon references verses from the Bible, such as John 1:9 and Colossians 2:8, to support these teachings.
Seduction
By David Wilkerson3.1K1:01:191TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher warns against the seduction of worldly desires and the influence of evil spirits. He emphasizes that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be found in the Lord. The preacher addresses those who have fallen away from their faith and urges them to open their hearts and recognize the destructive nature of worldly temptations. He also discusses the widespread seduction happening within the church and highlights the importance of self-reflection and confession. The sermon emphasizes the need to stay rooted in the truth of God's word and resist the allure of worldly pleasures.
A Warning Not to Stray From the Gospel
By Paul Washer3.0K00:00Last DaysMAT 22:37JHN 13:351TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher reflects on a recent experience where people from different backgrounds came together to help someone move in the rain. He emphasizes that this act of love and service is a demonstration of the gospel at work. The preacher then shares about a encounter with a religious person who questioned his dietary choices, leading him to discuss the importance of understanding the Christian life. He references 1 Timothy 4:1 and explains that in the latter times, some will fall away from the faith due to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons. He also addresses the issue of forbidding marriage and abstaining from certain foods, highlighting the importance of knowing the truth and not being led astray.
Things Applicable for God's Servants
By Paul Washer2.2K1:19:00ServanthoodThe Great CommissionGodliness1TI 4:1Paul Washer emphasizes the vital qualities and responsibilities of God's servants, urging them to be dedicated to sound doctrine, godliness, and the Great Commission. He encourages believers to be part of a sincere church community, to grow in their faith through the Word, and to be examples of Christ-like conduct in their lives. Washer highlights the importance of perseverance in faith and teaching, reminding that true conversion is evidenced by a life that continues in faithfulness. He calls for a commitment to prayer, scripture, and mutual accountability within the body of Christ, stressing that godliness is essential for effective ministry. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to invest their lives in eternal matters, ensuring their progress in faith is evident to all.
Worldwide Apostasy
By Bill Randles2.0K51:31ApostasyMAT 6:332TH 2:11TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the negative aspects of pooling people together in cities. He mentions that cities can be a breeding ground for rebellion, defiance, and sin, as people feel more free to express themselves. The preacher refers to the story of the Tower of Babel in the Bible, where people tried to build a tower to reach heaven and make a name for themselves. This act of unity and defiance against God is seen as the spirit of Antichrist. The preacher also highlights the difference between God's way of shaping individuals as unique stones for His temple, and the world's way of conformity and control.
Week of Meetings-08 Rome-Religion-and the Second Advent
By Dwight Pentecost1.9K59:401TI 4:12TI 3:1REV 2:22REV 3:20REV 17:5REV 17:18In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a specific verse from the Bible, Revelation 17:3, which describes a woman riding a beast. The woman represents a powerful entity that has gained control over the Roman Kingdom or the Federated States of Europe. She is depicted as wearing royal robes, symbolizing her authority. The speaker emphasizes that discussing this topic can be challenging in today's society, as it may be seen as narrow-minded or bigoted. However, the speaker believes it is important to understand the biblical prophecy and warns against the rise of Romanism, stating that it is a greater concern than communism.
(Demonology) the Demons Against the Evangelicals
By Willie Mullan1.8K1:17:40DemonologyMAT 6:33MRK 4:15ROM 10:9EPH 6:12PHP 3:182TH 2:11TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the battle between the devil and the evangelist in corrupting the truth. He emphasizes the importance of teaching the Word of God and the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring believers. The preacher also mentions the hierarchy of leadership in the church, with apostles, prophets, and teachers. He talks about the power of faith and shares a story of a man who founded a mission with faith in God.
Paul Washer in Romania
By Paul Washer1.6K1:07:11PSA 119:105JHN 1:23ACT 2:381TI 4:1REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's Spirit in saving individuals through the preaching of the gospel. The sermon highlights the process of salvation, where individuals become aware of their sin and the holiness of God, leading to a crisis and a realization that their own goodness cannot save them. They then place their faith in Jesus Christ, who becomes their life. The preacher also discusses the importance of understanding the true message of the gospel, emphasizing that it is not just a brief introduction to Christianity but the very essence of Christianity itself. The sermon also addresses theological concerns raised by the movie "The Passion" and emphasizes the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate payment for sin.
Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 2
By Stephen Olford1.3K53:27TruthMAT 6:33ACT 17:21EPH 4:141TI 4:12JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the prevalence of counterfeit preachers and evangelists in today's society. He emphasizes that these individuals mimic the lifestyle of genuine men and women of God, but their teachings are deceptive and destructive. The speaker refers to the example of Jim Jones, a self-proclaimed messiah, to illustrate the dangers of false teaching. He highlights that false teaching is always deceptive, destructive, and divisive. The sermon is based on the second epistle of John and encourages the audience to possess the truth and be aware of false teachings.
Eight Ways of Deceiving Ourselves - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.2K09:56PSA 25:9PRO 3:7PRO 11:2PRO 22:4MAT 11:251CO 3:18PHP 2:31TI 4:1JAS 4:6
This sermon emphasizes the danger of falling away from the faith by being deceived by spirits, highlighting the importance of humility and a pure heart in understanding divine wisdom. The speaker warns against relying solely on human intelligence when approaching the Scriptures, stressing the need for humility and dependence on God's teaching to avoid self-deception and falling prey to deceitful spirits.
(1 Timothy) Doctrines of Demons
By Brian Brodersen1.2K54:131TI 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on 1 Timothy 4:1-4, which warns about the departure from faith in the latter times. He emphasizes that every creature of God is good, countering the false teachings that forbade marriage and certain foods. The preacher expands this idea to include every way of God being good, highlighting the importance of following God's way rather than man's way. He also discusses the searing of conscience, explaining how some individuals can engage in deceit and exploitation without feeling conviction due to their seared consciences.
The Lukewarm Will Be Deceived
By Andrew Strom1.2K45:20ISA 6:1MAT 7:21MAT 24:4MAT 24:241TI 4:1REV 3:16
This sermon delves into the dangers of deception in the last days, emphasizing the prevalence of deception and the need to guard against it. It explores the characteristics of the Lukewarm Church, highlighting the importance of discernment, holiness, and true discipleship. The speaker warns against being lured into deception by false signs and wonders, stressing the significance of knowing and aligning with the character of God to avoid falling into lukewarmness and hidden sin.
Revival Conference Message
By Derek Melton1.2K10:432CH 7:14MAT 7:21ACT 3:19ROM 12:2EPH 6:101TI 4:12TI 2:15HEB 4:12JAS 4:8
This sermon emphasizes the need for a revival of true doctrine and the Word of God in the church, highlighting concerns about the departure from sound doctrine, the importance of preaching repentance and regeneration, and the call for a revival in the pulpit before the pew. It calls for a return to biblical principles, standards, and truth, seeking a sovereign move of God's Spirit to bring about genuine salvation and transformation.
Proof God Lives
By Ray Brubaker1.1K12:30God's ExistenceJER 29:13JOL 2:32MAT 6:33LUK 18:8ACT 2:211TI 4:1HEB 11:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about an American weightlifter named Paul Anderson who traveled to Moscow to compete against Russian weightlifters. The speaker describes the anticipation and pressure Paul felt before the competition, as well as the support he received from his parents and the power of prayer. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of faith and readiness for the second coming of Jesus Christ. The speaker encourages listeners to spread the message of hope and faith, highlighting the need to prioritize the proclamation of the gospel over other worldly causes.
Discerning Spiritual Warfare
By Mose Stoltzfus99658:27EPH 3:81TI 4:1The video titled "Transformations" was produced in 1999 and quickly gained popularity worldwide. It showcases four cities where the alleged presence of God has transformed not only the churches but also the entire communities. The video presents undated film footage and interviews, emphasizing the power of prayer and spiritual warfare to bring about revival. It suggests that if Christians unite and practice these principles, revival will break out, churches will grow, and communities will experience positive social and moral changes. However, the speaker cautions against fascination with the spirit world and emphasizes the need to focus on Christ and the teachings of the Bible.
For Young People - Timothy
By Anton Bosch84646:33Young People1TI 4:1In this sermon, the speaker addresses the destructive nature of the lust for speed, comparing it to other harmful desires such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. Instead, he encourages the audience to pursue righteousness as their ultimate goal. The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting an example in word, conduct, love, and spirit. He references the letter of Paul to Timothy, specifically highlighting a passage about the Spirit speaking expressly in later times and warning against false teachings and doctrines. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of being a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine.
Truth and Error - Part 2 - Truth and Error (Compilation)
By Compilations83420:51CompilationMAT 6:24ROM 8:11CO 1:10EPH 2:141TI 4:1HEB 11:61JN 2:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not loving the world or its desires. He references the Israelites in the wilderness who constantly lusted after worldly things and were dissatisfied. The preacher warns against being led by the flesh and sinful nature, as it leads to restlessness and separation from God. He also highlights the danger of departing from the faith and being deceived by false spirits. The sermon concludes with a call to love Jesus wholeheartedly and to be cautious of having a divided heart between God and the world.
Separated From Our Loved Ones
By Keith Daniel7771:27:04PSA 27:10PRO 18:19PRO 18:24ISA 49:15ISA 58:7MAT 5:10MAT 10:21EPH 6:42TH 1:81TI 4:1HEB 13:5
This sermon delves into the fearful possibility of separation from loved ones, both in this life and for eternity, emphasizing the consequences of rejecting God and the need for sincere repentance and reconciliation. It warns against doctrinal differences, exclusivity in religion, and the tragic outcomes of pride, folly, and un-Christlike behavior that can lead to alienation from family members. The urgency of seeking God's salvation and living in righteousness is highlighted to avoid eternal separation and to mend broken relationships on Earth.
The Just Shall Live by Faith
By Steve Gallagher72058:16HAB 2:4ROM 10:172CO 13:5EPH 2:81TI 1:191TI 4:11TI 5:81TI 6:101TI 6:21HEB 11:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith as a decision and a lifestyle, urging believers to live in the reality of God's kingdom and deepen their conviction in His character. It highlights the need to strengthen and deepen faith through trials and challenges, showcasing faith as a life of making decisions and reflecting what one truly believes. The speaker encourages a strong connection with God and living a life that pleases Him, emphasizing the significance of evidence of true saving faith.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly - Ῥητως· Manifestly, openly. It is very likely that the apostle refers here to a prophecy then furnished by the Holy Ghost, and probably immediately after he had written the words in the preceding verses; and as this prophecy contains things nowhere else spoken of in the sacred writings, and of the utmost moment to the Christian Church, we cannot hear or read them with too much reverence or respect. In the latter times - This does not necessarily imply the last ages of the world, but any times consequent to those in which the Church then lived. Depart from the faith - Αποστησονται - της πιστεως· They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation. A man may hold all the truths of Christianity, and yet render them of none effect by holding other doctrines which counteract their influence; or he may apostatize by denying some essential doctrine, though he bring in nothing heterodox. Giving heed to seducing spirits - Πνευμασι πλανοις· Many MSS. and the chief of the fathers have πνευμασι πλανης· spirits of deceit; which is much more emphatic than the common reading. Deception has her spirits, emissaries of every kind, which she employs to darken the hearts and destroy the souls of men. Pretenders to inspiration, and false teachers of every kind, belong to this class. And doctrines of devils - Δαιμονιων· Demons; either meaning fallen spirits, or dead men, spectres, etc., or doctrines inspired by Satan relative to these, by which he secures his own interest, and provides for his own worship.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,.... The prophecy hereafter mentioned was not an human conjecture, but, as all true prophecy, it came from the Spirit of God, who spoke or delivered it; either in the prophets of the Old Testament, who, as they spoke of the Gospel dispensation, so of the defection that should be in it; and particularly of antichrist, and of the apostasy through him, which is what is here intended, especially in Daniel's prophecies, under the names of the little horn, and vile person, Dan 7:1 and Dan 11:1, or in the Lord Jesus Christ, who foretold that false prophets would arise and deceive many; or in some of the prophets in the Christian church, such as Agabus, and others, who might in so many words foretell this thing; or rather in the apostle himself, at this time, since this prophecy was delivered not in dark sayings, in an enigmatical way, in an obscure manner, as prophecies generally were, but in plain language, and easy to be understood, and wanted no interpreter to unriddle it; and seeing that it is nowhere to be found in so many express words elsewhere: and moreover, the apostle does not say the Spirit "hath spoken", but the Spirit "speaketh"; then, at the time of the writing of these words, in and by him. The prediction follows, that in the latter times some should depart from the faith; that is, from the doctrine of faith, notwithstanding it is indisputably the great mystery of godliness, as it is called in the latter part of the preceding chapter; for from the true grace of faith there can be no final and total apostasy, such as is here designed; for that can never be lost. It is of an incorruptible nature, and therefore more precious than gold that perishes; Christ is the author and finisher of it; his prevalent mediation is concerned for it; it is a gift of special grace, and is without repentance; it springs from electing grace, and is secured by it; and between that and salvation there is an inseparable connection; it may indeed decline, be very low, and lie dormant, as to its acts and exercise, but not be lost: there is a temporary faith, and a persuasion of truth, or a mere assent to it, which may be departed from, but not that faith which works by love: here it intends a profession of faith, which being made, should be dropped by some; or rather the doctrine of faith, which some would embrace, and then err concerning, or entirely quit, and wholly apostatize from. And they are said to be some, and these many, as they are elsewhere represented, though not all; for the elect cannot be finally and totally deceived; the foundation of election stands sure amidst the greatest apostasy; and there are always a few names that are not defiled with corrupt principles and practices; Christ always had some witnesses for the truth in the darkest times: and now this defection was to be "in the latter times"; either of the apostolic age, which John, the last of the apostles, lived to see; and therefore he calls it the last time, or hour, in which were many antichrists, Jo1 2:18. And indeed in the Apostle Paul's time the mystery of iniquity began to work, which brought on this general defection; though here it has regard to some later times under the Gospel dispensation; to the time when the man of sin, and the son of perdition, was revealed, and when all the world wondered after the beast: and indeed, such will be the degeneracy in the last days of all, that when the son of man comes, as the grace, so the doctrine of faith will be scarcely to be found in the world: the means by which this apostasy will obtain and prevail will be through men's giving heed to seducing spirits; either to doctrines which are of a deceiving nature; or to men who profess to have the Spirit of God, and have not, but are evil men and seducers, deceiving, and being deceived; that lie in wait to deceive, and handle the word of God deceitfully; and by attending on the ministry of such persons, through hearing them, and conversing with them, the defection was to begin and spread; and therefore such should be carefully avoided, and their ministry shunned; nor should they be received, nor bid God speed. And doctrines of devils; such as are devised by devils, as all damnable doctrines be; and all lying ones, for the devil is the father of them; and as are all the false doctrines introduced by antichrist, for his coming was after the working of Satan; and particularly those doctrines of his concerning worshipping of angels, and saints departed, may be called the doctrines of devils, or of "demons"; being much the same with the demon worship among the Heathens, of which the devil was the inventor: unless by doctrines of devils should be meant the doctrines of men, who for their cunning and sophistry, for their lies and hypocrisy, for their malice, and murdering of the souls of men, are comparable to devils.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here a prophecy of the apostasy of the latter times, which he had spoken of as a thing expected and taken for granted among Christians, 2 Th. 2. I. In the close of the foregoing chapter, we had the mystery of godliness summed up; and therefore very fitly, in the beginning of this chapter, we have the mystery of iniquity summed up: The Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith; whether he means the Spirit in the Old Testament, or the Spirit in the prophets of the New Testament, or both. The prophecies concerning antichrist, as well as the prophecies concerning Christ, came from the Spirit. The Spirit in both spoke expressly of a general apostasy from the faith of Christ and the pure worship of God. This should come in the latter times, during the Christian dispensation, for these are called the latter days; in the following ages of the church, for the mystery of iniquity now began to work. Some shall depart from the faith, or there shall be an apostasy from the faith. Some, not all; for in the worst of times God will have a remnant, according to the election of grace. They shall depart from the faith, the faith delivered to the saints (Jde 1:3), which was delivered at once, the sound doctrine of the gospel. Giving heed to seducing spirits, men who pretended to the Spirit, but were not really guided by the Spirit, Jo1 4:1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, every one who pretends to the Spirit. Now here observe, 1. One of the great instances of the apostasy, namely, giving heed to doctrines of demons, or concerning demons; that is, those doctrines which teach the worship of saints and angels, as a middle sort of deities, between the immortal God and mortal men, such as the heathen called demons, and worshipped under that notion. Now this plainly agrees to the church of Rome, and it was one of the first steps towards that great apostasy, the enshrining of the relics of martyrs, paying divine honours to them, erecting altars, burning incense, consecrating images and temples, and making prayers and praises to the honour of saints departed. This demon-worship is paganism revived, the image of the first beast. 2. The instruments of promoting and propagating this apostasy and delusion. (1.) It will be done by hypocrisy of those that speak lies, the agents and emissaries of Satan, who promote these delusions by lies and forgeries and pretended miracles, Ti1 4:2. It is done by their hypocrisy, professing honour to Christ, and yet at the same time fighting against all his anointed offices, and corrupting or profaning all his ordinances. This respects also the hypocrisy of those who have their consciences seared with a red-hot iron, who are perfectly lost to the very first principles of virtue and moral honesty. If men had not their consciences seared as with a hot iron, they could never maintain a power to dispense with oaths for the good of the catholic cause, could never maintain that no faith is to be kept with heretics, could never divest themselves of all remains of humanity and compassion, and clothe themselves with the most barbarous cruelty, under pretence of promoting the interest of the church. (2.) Another part of their character is that they forbid to marry, forbid their clergy to marry, and speak very reproachfully of marriage, though an ordinance of God; and that they command to abstain from meats, and place religion in such abstinence at certain times and seasons, only to exercise a tyranny over the consciences of men. 3. On the whole observe, (1.) The apostasy of the latter times should not surprise us, because it was expressly foretold by the Spirit. (2.) The Spirit is God, otherwise he could not certainly foresee such distant events, which as to us are uncertain and contingent, depending on the tempers, humours, and lusts of men. (3.) The difference between the predictions of the Spirit and the oracles of the heathen is remarkable; the Spirit speaks expressly, but the oracles of the heathen were always doubtful and uncertain. (4.) It is comfortable to think that in such general apostasies all are not carried away, but only some. (5.) It is common for seducers and deceivers to pretend to the Spirit, which is a strong presumption that all are convinced that this is the most likely to work in us an approbation of what pretends to come from the Spirit. (6.) Men must be hardened, and their consciences seared, before they can depart from the faith, and draw in others to side with them. (7.) It is a sign that men have departed from the faith when they will command what God has forbidden, such as saint and angel or demon-worship; and forbid what God has allowed or commanded, such as marriage and meats. II. Having mentioned their hypocritical fastings, the apostle takes occasion to lay down the doctrine of the Christian liberty, which we enjoy under the gospel, of using God's good creatures, - that, whereas under the law there was a distinction of meats between clean and unclean (such sorts of flesh they might eat, and such they might not eat), all this is now taken away; and we are to call nothing common or unclean, Act 10:15. Here observe, 1. We are to look upon our food as that which God has created; we have it from him, and therefore must use it for him. 2. God, in making those things, had a special regard to those who believe and know the truth, to good Christians, who have a covenant right to the creatures, whereas others have only a common right. 3. What God has created is to be received with thanksgiving. We must not refuse the gifts of God's bounty, nor be scrupulous in making differences where God has made none; but receive them, and be thankful, acknowledging the power of God the Maker of them, and the bounty of God the giver of them: Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, Ti1 4:4. This plainly sets us at liberty from all the distinctions of meats appointed by the ceremonial law, as particularly that of swine's flesh, which the Jews were forbidden to eat, but which is allowed to us Christians, by this rule, Every creature of God is good, etc. Observe, God's good creatures are then good, and doubly sweet to us, when they are received with thanksgiving. - For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, Ti1 4:5. It is a desirable thing to have a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. Now they are sanctified to us, (1.) By the word of God; not only his permission, allowing us the liberty of the use of these things, but his promise to feed us with food convenient for us. This gives us a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. (2.) By prayer, which blesses our meat to us. The word of God and prayer must be brought to our common actions and affairs, and then we do all in faith. Here observe, [1.] Every creature is God's, for he made all. Every beast in the forest is mine (says God), and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine, Psa 50:10, Psa 50:11. [2.] Every creature of God is good: when the blessed God took a survey of all his works, God saw all that was made, and, behold, it was very good, Gen 1:31. [3.] The blessing of God makes every creature nourishing to us; man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Mat 4:4), and therefore nothing ought to be refused. [4.] We ought therefore to ask his blessing by prayer, and so to sanctify the creatures we receive by prayer.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:1-5 Paul’s sound teaching (3:16) contrasts with the false teachings that he denounces. 4:1 The early church regarded itself as already in the last times (see Acts 2:16-17; Heb 1:2; cp. 2 Thes 2:7; 1 Jn 2:18-23).