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NASB | 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:1 But the [Holy] Spirit explicitly and unmistakably declares that in later times some will turn away from the faith, paying attention instead to deceitful and seductive spirits and doctrines of demons, |
Subject: Some will depart from the faith |
Bible Note: Zach Greetings from the cold white North Part 3 Paul states that “Nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Rom. 8:39 and yet in 1 Cor. 9:27 shows concern that he could end up disqualified for the prize. Does this mean that Paul believed that he could lose his salvation in Christ? I don’t think so. Paul also writes “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” 2 Timothy 1:12 Paul suffered greatly for the testimony of the gospel of Christ, not to earn his eternal salvation, but rather out of devotion to Christ. In 1 Cor. 9 is Paul’s defense to them who had accused him of not being an apostle v.2-3 As he reviews his life of service for God, in verse 24-29 he is using a metaphor of the Olympic games to illustrate his method of service. In v.24 he likens the Christian walk “race”, the runner must be qualified to run and the runner who has trained and has strong self-discipline will be the one who is not distracted, keeping his eye always on the prize (award) at the end of the race. In v.25 he contrasts the award which an Olympic runner would get as perishable compared to that of a Christian who runs well and will receive an award which perisheth not. To be in the race of the Christian walk we must first of all be “in Christ” to qualify. If we want to be pleasing to him we will keep our eye on him and not be distracted by those things which would compromise our run for him. If we become disqualified during the race, what will we lose? We will lose the prize or award which is given at the Judgment seat of Christ. 1 Cor. 3: 12-15. Paul in v.26 describes his own race: “Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; ( the runner has focus as he runs) “I box in such a way, not as one that beating the air” ( as a boxer he is again focused on his purpose and is effective) The metaphor continues in V27 “I buffet my body, and make it my slave” Paul is speaking of training and self-discipline which will keep the athlete in the race knowing that if he fails to keep himself discipline spiritually, there is the possibility that he will make shipwreck of his life and be disqualified for the award which should be his providing he run the course lawfully. I believe that Paul is teaching that as Christians we cannot become lax in our approach to our walk before God. Paul mentions in Romans “I die daily” meaning that the desires which our sinful nature would bring before us, we must reckon them dead and not allow them to reign in our body. Zach: back to your original question and scripture. I believe that in the last days, many will fall away. We live in a time much like the days of the Church of Laodicea Rev. 3:14-20 when those who profess to be Christians are generally “lukewarm” toward God and their own perception of self is that “I am rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing”. We find that the professing Church has pushed Christ outside the door and are self-sufficient. He appeals to the individuals of that time “Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him, and will sup with him and he with me” Christians can and will be deceived by false teachers and yet even though they have fallen, they are still part of the family of God. The bottom line is “the Lord knoweth them that are his” Yours by his grace alone Robert |