1 Timothy 4:1 – 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.
As Bible-believing Christians, we hold firm to the Holy Scriptures as God’s words. Our Bible is not just ‘inspired,’ it is theopneustos, which means God-breathed. The word of God is inerrant and infallible, consistently achieving its purpose of revealing God’s mind. Therefore, the Bible is not a book written by fallible men but a divine revelation written by God through the agency of men, a rock-solid foundation for our faith.
In the first century, the great Apostle Paul penned these words to a young pastor named Timothy, who was ministering in the pagan city of Ephesus. Paul’s warning to Timothy about the great fall away from the faith in the later days was not just a caution but a prophecy. Through the divine workings of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s words over two thousand years ago give us prophetic insight into our times—these very later days, guiding us through the chaos.
Paul unequivocally states that “some will fall away from the faith” because they are paying attention to “deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” The current state of the world is indeed a great falling away. The Greek word for falling away is aphistémi, pronounced (af-is’-tay-mee), which means withdrawing, leaving, or abstaining from. What we are observing in the world today is an unmistakable withdrawal and a profound departure from biblical truth at an alarming rate.
The truth revealed in the inspired word of God shows us God’s nature, the nature of humanity, marriage, gender, sexuality, decency, and order. Ignoring this truth has led to a chaotic culture where almost anything is considered acceptable. Replacing objective truth with purely subjective perspectives has brought Western culture to a crisis.
Our culture is at a crossroads when it comes to defining gender and setting boundaries for sexuality. Some are even advocating for consensual sex between adults and children. This has caused a deep divide within our nation and our churches, as “race-baiting,” shaming, and cancel culture are used to silence opposing views. These issues have even infiltrated what is meant to be the sacred space of the church of Jesus Christ.
As Paul warned Timothy, chaos has permeated our culture and the church. Many have been led astray, giving heed to demons’ teachings. But for believers in Jesus Christ, there is hope. We have the unshakable truth in the Holy Bible. As followers of Christ, we can firmly stand on the Word of God and proclaim with absolute certainty, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Even amid our chaotic culture, those who believe in Jesus Christ can find peace. Paul’s words to the church at Philippi, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7), and to the church at Colossae, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15), remind us that believers in Jesus Christ can experience the pure and lasting peace of Jesus Christ, a comforting and hopeful assurance.
Brothers and sisters, remember that it won’t be long before the Lord Jesus Christ redeems His church and raises believers with Christ. As Paul says, “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
As we witness the world in chaos, it’s important to remember that as believers in Jesus Christ, we have access to the enduring peace of God, surpassing all understanding, until we see our Lord face to face.
Pastor Mark
Wonderful/necessary reminder that peace will reign despite what we see and hear all around us. I, for one, am not surprised by the evolving societal changes/norms. God’s Word told us to expect it. Thank you Lord for your wisdom and promises!
Yes, we have to stand firm in Christianity. The Bible teaches that there are a lot of wolves and sheep clothing, and there are a lot of false profits that we must be aware of we must Keep our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
One of my favorite verses is Mark 8:36. What does it profit of man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul. This world is all temporary God is forever.
Thank you for this. It is a wonderful reminder that our Lord is in control and we are not to be overwhelmed by the things we are seeing in our culture and especially in our country.
The Lord bless you for telling the truth of the gospel!
Thank God we have the unshakable truth in the Holy Bible. Praise be to God!
There is such a peace that overcomes me with knowing that “As followers of Christ, we can firmly stand on the Word of God and proclaim with absolute certainty, “Thus saith the Lord”. Thank you Jesus for this assurance of our faith in you.
In these turbulent times, Paul’s words to Timothy remind us of the importance of holding firm to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. As we witness a great falling away from biblical truth, let us anchor ourselves in the infallible scriptures and find peace in Christ. Even amidst chaos, we can trust in the Lord’s promise of redemption and look forward to being with Him forever. May the peace of Christ guard our hearts and minds as we navigate these challenging days.
Marantha! Even so Lord Jesus, come but while we wait we can have great hope and assurance in the one who holds today and the future in his hands. The devil knows his days are numbered and so he seeks to deceive just as scripture says. When we feel overwhelmed and discouraged but the world around us and the wicked that seeks to steal our children’s futures and mindset we can trust that God is still in control. Thank you Lord for your word which prepares us and instructs in the things to come and how we should live during these days. Let the chaos around us not shake us from trusting in God’s plan for his the world and his bride, the church.
Amen Pastor! The Word of God is what we stand by. There are no mistakes in God’s Word. How awesome is prophecy. Thank you Pastor for the reminder that we have peace in God’s word and with Him. Thank God for His righteousness, grace and mercy.
Amen. God is always with us in good times and bad. He is our strength. His promise is our hope. We him glory and praise Him.
What truth!! As we see and live in the chaos of this world, all the unethical things happening, wrong is right and right is wrong, we must stand firm in whom we believe. We must be strong and not be afraid to speak the truth. The Bible is true and as Christians we must hold on to our faith and not allow the chaos of this world to take away our joy in Christ. God Bless Calvary Bible Church for Standing Firm!!
Amen, Joyce
Many Changes taking place in the world today bring my spirits down and I find myself becoming fearful as to what will happen next. It is through trust and faith in our Lord that I can find beauty, hope and love making each day easier to face. Pastor Mark, your teachings and guidance have shown me a better understand of our Lord and I am forever greatful. May God Bless You and Your Fmily Always.
As believers we should not be surprised of the times we are living in. The Bible speaks of the end times. Instead, these times should serve as a reminder that the Lord is near. Let’s hold on to God’s word and NOT LET GO!!
Always on time!
Amén amazingly well preached a lot la going on, as Jesus said we are the salt of the earth we need to keep our eyes open and our ears open , the world is full of evil and we need to be reminded time and time again, thank you Pastors Mark God bless you