«Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons» (l Timothy 4: l).
IN 1 TIMOTHY 4, Paul affirms that in the end times there would be apostasy and many would depart from the faith because they would obey deceiving spirits.
Paul speaks of the outward appearance and of the teachers of deception who feign allegiance to the truth as they disperse their doctrines of demons (vv. 3, 4). Oftentimes, those who apostatize are not openly allied under the banner of error and betrayal to Christ’s cause; instead, they mix truths with lies, and thus deceive many.
In this context, Paul counsels Timothy to be a good minister of Jesus Christ and to flee Satan’s teachings (vv. 6—11 He must keep the church attentive, alerting them of danger and teaching them the truth.
This teaching is not only focused on certain biblical texts and facts, for the devil himself masters the Scriptures. The purpose of authentic Bible study is to get to know Christ personally and come to experience salvation. We must also reject fables (v. 7). Our time should not be wasted in speculations, which are not edifying in the least.
Paul also tells Timothy that no one should despise him for being young (v. 12). Timothy was probably not yet forty years old, and some even believe Timothy was shy and quiet by nature, more prone to obey than to command. Yet youth is not a barrier to a rich spiritual communion with God, just as advanced age is no guarantee of healthy thoughts or complete consecration.
Ln a certain country which cannot be mentioned, one of the missionaries sent by the South American Division witnessed a scene he will never forget: a taxi struck a woman and left her badly injured. Many passed her by without doing anything. Suddenly, another vehicle hit her again, causing her death. Shocked, he then learned that in that country those who help someone who is wounded in the street have to pay all expenses, because they are then suspected of being the responsible party. They sometimes are the object of revenge from the family.
How far the degradation of sin takes us! More than ever, Christians are needed who will faithfully live out biblical truths. We cannot let those who are attacked by evil bleed to death,
Regardless of our age, we all can, and must, have our own personal experience with God, cultivating our faith and growing in maturity and commitment to save others. This life will be useful when we invest it in something that will last for eternity.
