1 Timothy – Week 6 – Day 1

READ 

1 Timothy 4:1-2 

1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. 

Typical of the apostle Paul’s writing, the first part of his letter deal with doctrine (teaching), and the last part with practice. He tells Timothy things to be aware of during these last times. Timothy should be alert to those who have turned from the true faith and instead have turned to “deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” Regarding these people, Paul says they are “hypocrites and liars.” Even their consciences are “dead,” or literally “cauterized” as with a hot iron. 

REFLECT 

Are you on the alert concerning those who teach a false gospel? This is why you need to be in the Scriptures yourself to know when someone is teaching something not in the Bible. A good question to ask is, “Where is that found in the Bible?” 

RESPOND 

For what Paul thought of those teaching a false gospel, read Galatians 1:8-9. The only way a person can become right with God is by grace through faith in Jesus. Anyone adding to that is preaching a false gospel.