Apostasy in the Lord’s Church History of the Church (3)

Moral sin Acts 5:1-11 Moral sin Acts 5:1-11 Doctrinal error Acts 15:1-2 Doctrinal error Acts 15:1-2 Heresies 1 Cor. 11:19 Heresies 1 Cor. 11:19 Satan makes war against the church!

3 APOSTASY aphisteemi: lit., a standing away from ( apo, from + histemi, to stand) aphisteemi: lit., a standing away from ( apo, from + histemi, to stand) – To depart, go away from… – apostasis: a falling away, defection” – Lk. 8:13; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12

4 1 Tim. 4:1-6 Defection from… Defection from… – The faith – The truth – The words of faith – Good doctrine Departure from divine standard Departure from divine standard Rooted in lack of respect for Christ’s authority, Col. 3:17 Rooted in lack of respect for Christ’s authority, Col. 3:17

5 History Warns of Apostasy Luke 8:13 1 Tim. 4:1 Heb. 3:12 Luke 8:13 1 Tim. 4:1 Heb. 3:12 1 Cor. 10:11-12

6 NT Warnings of Apostasy False prophets, Matt. 7:15-20 False prophets, Matt. 7:15-20 False apostles, 2 Cor. 11:13-15 False apostles, 2 Cor. 11:13-15 False brethren, Gal. 2:4-5 False brethren, Gal. 2:4-5 False teachers, 2 Pet. 2:1-2 False teachers, 2 Pet. 2:1-2 – TEST, 1 Jno. 4:1 (2:18-19) Prediction, 2 Ths. 2:1-4; 1 Ti. 4:1-3 Prediction, 2 Ths. 2:1-4; 1 Ti. 4:1-3 Prevention, Acts 20:28-32 Prevention, Acts 20:28-32 Problem, 2 Tim. 4:3-4 Problem, 2 Tim. 4:3-4

7 NT Departures from Truth Binding LOM, Ac 15; Gal. 5:3-4 Binding LOM, Ac 15; Gal. 5:3-4 Philosophies, Col. 2:8 Philosophies, Col. 2:8 Corruption of LS, 1 Cor. 11:20-22 Corruption of LS, 1 Cor. 11:20-22 Spiritual gifts, 1 Cor Spiritual gifts, 1 Cor Resurrection, 1 Co 15:12; 2 Ti 2:17-18 Resurrection, 1 Co 15:12; 2 Ti 2:17-18 Christ’s return, 2 Ths. 2:1-3 Christ’s return, 2 Ths. 2:1-3 Nature of Christ, 1 Jno.2:22; 2 Jno. 7 Nature of Christ, 1 Jno.2:22; 2 Jno. 7

8 Road to Apostasy (Rev. 2-3) Leaving first love, Rev. 2:4 Leaving first love, Rev. 2:4 – Repent & obey from heart, Matt. 15:7-9 Compromise with doctrines of men, Rev. 2:14-15 Compromise with doctrines of men, Rev. 2:14-15 – Repent, contend for faith, 2:16; Jude 3-4 Toleration of evil & error, Rev. 2:20-23 Toleration of evil & error, Rev. 2:20-23 – Refused to discipline, 1 Cor. 5:2 – Repent…wrath, Rev. 2:21-23

9 Road to Apostasy (Rev. 2-3) Arrogant self-righteousness, Rev. 3:1 (Lk. 18:9-14) Arrogant self-righteousness, Rev. 3:1 (Lk. 18:9-14) – Reputation or righteousness? – Watchful, strengthen, endure… hold fast & repent, Rev. 3:2-3 Spiritual apathy, Rev. 3:15-17 Spiritual apathy, Rev. 3:15-17 – Self-sufficient complacency – Be zealous & repent, Rev. 3:19

10 Predicted…warnings… happened…still happens Predicted…warnings… happened…still happens Protection includes: Protection includes: – Holding fast, Acts 20:32; 2 Ths 2:15; 2 Tim 1:13; 4:2 – Do not be deceived, 1 Cor 10:12; Heb 3:13 He who has ears to hear…