When the Gates of Hell Seem to Prevail – 1 Timothy chapter 4, verses 1 to 8
4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
I Timothy 4:1-8 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The Rise of Satan’s Servants
- In the last days – that is, from the span from Jesus’ resurrection to His return, verse 1.
- Abandoning the Faith, verse 1
- Following the lies of fallen angels, verse 1.
- The channel for these lies – false teachers, verse 2.
- The Lies – “marriage, meat and money are unholy” – a lie because “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” verses 3 & 4.
The Call of God’s Servants
- Has a humble desire to serve
- Is ready to point out false teachings, verse 6
- Is well trained in the truths of the faith, verse 6
- Is a careful, ongoing student of God’s Word, verse 6
- Is not easily distracted by nonsense, controversy or conspiracies, verse 7
- Is pursuing personal godliness, verse 8 – “I have set the Lord before me” (Psalm 16:8)
