1. 4/23/20151

2.  1 Timothy 4:1-6--Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 4/23/20152

3.   The Spirit expressly stated there would be a falling away.  The falling away would occur in “latter times”.  The latter times refers to the dispensation from Pentecost till Christ’s return.  (Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:2; Matthew 28:18-20)  This falling away will occur because some will give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons. 4/23/20153 The Falling Away

4.   The Spirit expressly stated there would be a falling away.  The falling away would occur in “latter times”.  This falling away will occur because some will give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons.  John warned of those who claimed to be prophets and were not, calling them spirits who should be tested. (1 John 4:1)  The doctrine of demons (John 6:70) 4/23/20154 The Falling Away

5.   The Spirit expressly stated there would be a falling away.  The falling away would occur in “latter times”.  This falling away will occur because some will give heed to seducing spirits and the doctrines of demons.  These teachers will speak lies in hypocrisy, and they have their conscience seared.  These teachers taught:  Abstaining from marriage.  Abstaining from meats. 4/23/20155 The Falling Away

6.   When studying a spiritual history of God’s people there has been a constant cycle of faithfulness, gradual movement away from divine authority, outright apostasy, and then an eventual renewal of faithfulness. 4/23/20156

7.   Persistence in the Apostle’s Doctrine  Acts 2:42  Clinging to the apostle’s words is also the path through human error and back to the Lord during times of spiritual challenge.  Jude 17-18 4/23/20157 What Can Prevent This Gradual Eroding of Spiritual Fundamentals

8.   Text: Deut. 29:17-29  Moses was concerned about the influence that the nations around the children of Israel. (Deut. 29:16- 17)  Moses was concerned that the children of Israel would be affected by the doctrine of henotheism. (Deut. 29:18-19)  Moses sternly warns Israel of the consequences of idolatry. (Deut. 19:20-28)  The solution: Cling to what is revealed. (Deut. 29:29) 4/23/20158 Failure to Respect Biblical Authority Is a Life and Death Matter.

9.   TRUE SPIRITUAL AWAKENING INVOLVES A RETURN TO GOD THAT IS EVIDENCED BY OBEDIENCE TO HIS VOICE THAT IS REVEALED IN HIS WRITTEN WORD. (Deut. 30:1-2)  CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART WAS AT THE CENTER OF GOD’S HOPE FOR RETURNING PEOPLE. (Deut. 30:3-10)  GOD’S WILL FOR HIS PEOPLE AS FOUND IN HIS WRITTEN WORD IS NOT HIDDEN FROM THOSE WHO WILL READ IT. (Deut. 30:11-14)  GOD SET BEFORE HIS PEOPLE A LIFE OR DEATH DECISION: OBEY HIM AND LIVE OR ELSE IGNORE HIS WARNINGS AND TASTE HIS WRATH. (Deut. 30:15-20) 4/23/20159 Deut. 30:1-20; God Predicts a Spiritual Awakening.

10.   Paul warned the Ephesian elders of wolves that would not spare the flock. (Acts 20:29)  Paul instructed Timothy to charge others to “not to teach any different doctrine”.  Paul could have allowed doctrinal variety, but he did not. (Eph. 4:4-5; 2 Tim. 2:17-18)  Paul told Timothy that things will get worse. (2 Timothy 3:1)  The solution is to stand firm, and cling to the truth (2Timothy 4:2) by preaching and practicing the truth (1 Timothy 4:15-16). 4/23/201510 Paul Warned of Apostasy in the New Testament

11.   The man of sin  An individual person is named (“ that man,” v.3; “himself, he,” v.4; “his time,” V.6; “lawless one,” v.8.  He is lawless (opposes God’s law); a child of perdition (doomed to destruction). ( vv. 3, 8 )  He will sit in the sanctuary of God (in God’s own place) as though he is God. ( v.4)  He will be unveiled after the one who restrains is taken out of the way. ( Vv. 6-7)  After he is revealed, then the Lord will destroy him with the brightness of His coming. (V. 8)  He is in complete control and service of Satan. (v.9)  He is successful with those who receive not the love of the truth. (vv. 10-12) 4/23/201511 Failure to Respect Authority Opens the Door for a Man of Sin

12.   Virtually every apostasy known in human history has resulted from a lack of respect for God’s word.  We are no more than one generation away from apostasy.  If we are to restore New Testament Christianity then we will:  Return and respect what is written in God’s word.  Engage in more than outward conformity, truly appreciating what God has accomplished for us.  Present God’s word in a clear and understandable way.  Understand that heaven and hell hang in the balance. 4/23/201512 Conclusion: