The Quest For Truth! Part 2

1 Timothy 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

Paul is dealing with some questions that had arisen in the Church at Ephesus. He was inspired by the Holy Ghost to deliver a warning for that present time but also equally as relevant to today. Some followers of Christ had already turned aside. (see 1 Tim. 1:6) Unless Timothy could counteract these “soldiers of deception,” more would depart from the faith in the time just ahead. They would give in to seducing spirits and be deceived! They would accept and teach doctrines of devils instead of teaching and living the Truth of God.

Paul also describes what will happen to these soldiers of deception. They will follow after lies having their conscience seared over and being non-responsive to the Spirit of Truth. It is easy to go from an honest mistake to an outright lie. The carnal man will justify a half-truth to benefit selfish goals. But, such a lifestyle will move a person from attempting to follow Christ to being deceived and deceiving others.

Timothy’s primary task at Ephesus was to put a stop to false teaching and replace it with the Truth. He was to teach the Truth and prepare others to teach it. He was also to set the example by being a follower of the Truth which he taught.

1 Timothy 4:6, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” These things may include not only what we read in chapter 4 but also the other things covered in the entire letter. In sharing the teachings of the Lord, Timothy would also benefit being nourished by the Word of Truth.

Paul calls for a life of godliness which is a reverent, worshipful, obedient attitude toward God. Such an attitude leads to right living. 1 Timothy 4:7, “But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” An authentic teacher of Truth will fulfill that role by verbal expression and a living example. Jesus became our example in word and deed. We should acquaint ourselves with His Word in such a way as to know the Truth and recognize deceptive teaching. 

Many have been led astray because of their failure to recognize untruth. They have been deceived and have followed on to deceive many others having their conscience seared, unwilling to follow God’s leading. 2 Thessalonians 2:8, “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.“