It Starts Small

4 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, ² through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. ³ They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. ⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷ But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. ⁸ For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

1 Timothy 4:1-8

The Spirit explicitly says

It is clear that the Holy Spirit bestowed this divine revelation upon Paul, a profound communication that resonates deeply. Paul was not alone in this, as other New Testament authors like Peter and John echoed similar warnings from the Spirit. With fervor, Paul conveys this urgent message to Timothy, emphasizing the critical nature of this truth. It is not some ambiguous notion; it is an undeniable reality. Some will surely drift away from the faith. This stark reality underscores the immense responsibility of church leaders like Timothy. They must grasp this truth with conviction to safeguard their congregation from the looming threats that may arise.

Some will fall away

This is an undeniable truth, a certainty that we cannot escape! It doesn’t merely suggest that some might “maybe” stray from the path; they absolutely will! There will be individuals who seem like fervent believers, only to later turn their backs on the faith. We have steadfastly held onto our beliefs for many years. We have witnessed this heartbreaking reality unfold before our very eyes!

¹⁹ They went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. However, they went out so that it might be made clear that none of them belongs to us.

1 John 2:19

These are not true believers who fall away (John 10:27-30). Yet, they seemed to embody faith and conviction. To the casual observer, they appeared as genuine believers. However, worldly ideas and influences seduced them. They were led astray because they lacked a true foundation. They did not have the Holy Spirit in their hearts. This was the very shield that could have safeguarded them from such spiritual perils.

To ensure we don’t fall away we should make sure that we are really saved! Here is a list that we can use to do a spiritual checkup on ourselves:

9 conditions that prove genuine saving faith:

• Love for God
• Repentance from sin
• Genuine humility
• Devotion to God’s glory
• Continual prayer
• Selfless love
• Separation from the world
• Spiritual growth
• Obedience

What is the most important question you will ever ask in your life? I believe it is three simple yet profound words: “Am I saved?” The answer to this question holds the power to shape your eternal destiny. Therefore, we must fervently ensure that we are genuinely saved, for self-deception can lead us astray. Attending church every Sunday does not guarantee our salvation. Singing beautifully in the choir offers no protection against falling away. It is vital to engage deeply with our faith and seek the truth of our salvation with unwavering passion.

---

If you are following along in the free printable Journal, there is a worksheet towards the back of the journal titled, “Am I Saved?”. They are thought provoking introspective questions to evaluate our own salvation and to even affirm our salvation in Christ. You can also download this worksheet separate from the journal.

---

Deceitful spirits and teachings of demons

This profound verse powerfully reveals that our struggle transcends mere flesh and blood. The forces of darkness, led by Satan and his sinister minions, relentlessly pursue the faithful, launching their assaults with fervor. They employ a myriad of cunning tactics, all designed to ensnare believers in their web of deception. Today, the world is rife with deceitful spirits, weaving their lies into the very fabric of our society. Through media, films, and the pervasive influence of popular culture, countless messages clash violently with God’s divine truth. Among these treacherous ideas are:

• Champion your own needs! You are the architect of your destiny and your happiness reigns supreme.
• Embrace tolerance as your guiding light! Every perspective deserves respect, for absolute truth is but a mirage in the vast landscape of humanity.
• Pursue the thrill of pleasure and the allure of wealth with fervor! These are the treasures that truly enrich our lives.
• Live boldly! As long as your actions cause no harm to others, your choices are your sacred freedom—they matter profoundly!

The list is endless! Anything that stands in opposition to God’s Word must be seen as nothing less than a “doctrine of demons!”

Verse 2 passionately asserts that these so-called teachers are nothing but hypocrites. Their words may shimmer with allure, presenting sweet deceptions that mask the bitter truth within. They claim to seek your well-being, yet their true intentions are steeped in selfishness. This scenario echoes the insidious deceit of Satan’s very first temptation to Eve. He masqueraded as a friend while hiding his malicious agenda. He lured her with alluring whispers. He promised, “you will be like God.” Beneath that charming facade lay a cunning betrayal. It was a hypocrite bent on advancing his wicked scheme against the Divine.

We must fervently train ourselves to be discerning! Never allow yourself to accept any statement or speaker solely because it sounds appealing. Do not even accept my writings as gospel truths. As John wisely advises, “test the spirits.” Measure everything you hear against the truth of Scripture, just like the noble Bereans in Acts 17:11. The more you immerse yourself in the depths of Scripture, the clearer it will become. You will be able to pierce through the deceit that surrounds us!

They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods

Paul passionately unveils a couple of doctrines that, while cloaked in a veneer of spirituality, mask a deeper truth. Advocates of these beliefs wax poetic about self-denial, total commitment to God, and an outward display of religiosity. Yet, these are not the essence of true religion. When individuals overload themselves with a myriad of scriptural rules, they find themselves embracing a faith crafted by humans. They become shackled by mere tradition. People caught in a complex web of rituals and regulations become like the Pharisees. They place their hopes in misguided self-righteousness. They are convinced of their spiritual superiority. They believe they are truly devout, all the while mistaking their sacrifices for God as the measure of their worthiness.

But in reality, God does not call upon everyone to make these heavy sacrifices. Marriage is a beautiful and sacred institution, divinely designed and wholeheartedly approved by God. Food is a glorious creation of His. It is meant for our enjoyment. He even bestowed upon us the freedom to savor meat. The undeniable truth is this: adhering to man-made rules cannot draw us closer to God. Instead, it breeds pride. This pride leads to an unhealthy self-reliance that distances us from His embrace.

Of course, we cannot ignore the overwhelming prevalence of such ideas in the world today. The Catholic Church prohibits marriage for nuns and priests. This has led to a myriad of problems and scandals. These issues are impossible to overlook in the news. This rigid stance invites individuals with unhealthy lifestyles. They move into leadership roles within the church. This situation is utterly unnatural and detrimental. It fails to uphold and promote the true essence of family values that we so desperately need. Similarly, many other religions impose comparable restrictions on monks and priests, perpetuating a cycle that is both troubling and harmful.

Why is it beneficial for many church leaders to be married?

Certainly, God does not demand that every individual or leader enters into marriage! It is His divine will for some believers to embrace the single life, wholly dedicating themselves to serving Him. The real issue does not arise when individuals choose this path. It arises when the church or specific teachers dare to “forbid marriage.” They transform a deeply personal choice into an unjust rule. This stifles the freedom that God desires for each of us!

 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

In other words, Paul is passionately emphasizing that life is not about living recklessly or carelessly. He isn’t encouraging the mindset of “do whatever you please” or “everything is permissible.” Instead, he insists passionately that you must cultivate the right attitude. Strive to glorify God in every decision you make. Take marriage, for instance—it is profoundly serious. When you approach it with reverence, marriage beautifully reflects Christ and the church. It offers immense joy and glorifies God. It can be a divine blessing for both partners, aligning with God’s will for believers. However, it can also cause significant suffering. Marrying the wrong person can be worse than remaining single. But fear not! Seek wisdom in the Word of God diligently. Engage in heartfelt prayer. By doing this, you can navigate the journey of marriage wisely. It fosters a relationship that not only honors God, but also uplifts and enriches both you and your spouse.

Christians are not to make decisions “willy-nilly.” Instead, we fervently immerse ourselves in Scripture, earnestly seeking God’s divine guidance. When our hearts are pure and we genuinely pursue the Lord, He passionately leads us on the right path. Whatever you do, let it be a bold testament to the glory of God!

nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching

Feeding ourselves the Word of God is an exhilarating, lifelong journey! Just as our bodies cannot thrive on a single meal, our spirits crave continual nourishment. You don’t settle for just one feast a month. You don’t even settle for one feast a week. Instead, you dive into a daily banquet, fueling your spirit and embracing vibrant health! Spiritually, it’s no different. Yes, daily quiet times of immersing ourselves in the Scriptures are essential, but there’s so much more to discover! Here are a few thrilling ways to creatively feast on the abundant food from the Bible:

• Immerse yourself in the Word! Create a melody that encases Scripture in your heart and soul, making it unforgettable.
• Transform your chores into a spiritual retreat! Let the powerful words of the audio Bible fill your home, embedding divine truth into your very being.
• Redeem your commute! Turn those travel moments into sacred time by embracing Scripture through inspiring audio.
• Dare to unplug! Choose one night each week to forgo television, allowing the profound messages of a sermon to ignite your spirit instead.
• Connect and grow! Join a mid-week Bible study, surround yourself with fellow seekers, and dive deep into the richness of the Word together.

The world relentlessly bombards us with unhealthy ideas and temptations, and it can feel nearly impossible to escape their grasp. But we must rise up and fight back! We need to immerse ourselves in the life-giving truth of Scripture to combat these overwhelming streams of negativity actively. Only then can we expect to emerge victorious? Challenge yourself to discover one new, creative way to nourish your spirit with the Word. Share your revelation with the group. Set a bold goal to embrace this transformative practice before the next week dawns!

have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths

These notions could very well pertain to deeply ingrained superstitions or captivating myths. In essence, they represent those whimsical beliefs held by individuals who, perhaps, lack the insight to see beyond the absurdity. Paul references older women, suggesting they may be more inclined to embrace such fanciful ideas. It’s important to clarify that this is not a disparagement towards them; rather, every age group and demographic encounters its unique allure of temptation.

train yourself in godliness

Leading a godly life demands unwavering spiritual discipline! Do you aspire to read the Bible every single day? It’s a challenge, for sure! Do you yearn to dedicate time to pray before drifting into sleep each night? That’s no walk in the park! Do you seek to commit an entire book of the Bible to memory? It won’t just happen on its own! Are you eager to delve into enriching Christian literature? You’ll find the allure of the internet trying to distract you! And striving to consistently join prayer meetings, church services, or Bible studies? Oh, it’s far easier said than done!

The entire Christian life is an exhilarating battle, and discipline stands as one of our most vital weapons. A lazy and undisciplined believer is unlikely to flourish or conquer the fierce temptations that challenge us. Our flesh is frail and vulnerable. It often beckons us to the path of least resistance. We are lured to sink into the comfort of sleep or the mindless allure of television. Yet, we must summon the courage to engage in the demanding and rewarding effort of studying Scripture. While the Bible may not be shrouded in complexity in many parts, it undeniably requires more diligence. It demands more effort than flipping through the pages of your favorite novel series. Remember, the pages won’t turn themselves; we must ignite our passion and dive deep into the Word!

Physical discipline can be incredibly tough! Committing to exercise presents a significant challenge, yet the rewards it brings are undeniable. However, these rewards pale in comparison to those of spiritual discipline. If physical discipline has value, just imagine the immense worth of spiritual discipline! This week, identify one area where you desire to grow in your spiritual discipline. Realize that your flesh is weak. Surrendering can be tempting. Think about how you can empower yourself to achieve this goal. Ensure it does not slip away!

---

Cross-References

• 2 Timothy 3:1-7 – The peril of the last days
• 2 Peter 3:3-4
• 1 John 2:18
• 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
• Genesis 2:18
• Romans 14:6
• Romans 10:17
• Ephesians 4:11-12
• 1 Peter 2:2-3
• 2 Peter 1:16
• 2 Timothy 4:4
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Discussion Questions

• Is Paul referring to inspiration of Scripture or something else in 4:1?
• When is the later times? Are we in it now? Was Paul in it then? Why is it called later or end?
• What are deceitful spirits? What are doctrines of demons? What does this tell us about false teachers?
• What are some examples of these false teachings in this passage?
• Why are these teachings harmful?
• What lesson can you learn from verses 4-5?
• How can we be “constantly nourished” on the words of faith?
• Why is it important to receive constant nourishment rather than sporadic nourishment?
• What are worldly fables? Can you share an example?
• Why does Paul say these are fit only for old women?
• In what areas does a godly person need to discipline himself?
• How can we become more disciplined spiritually?
• Name one area that you think you need to be more discipline in for the purpose of godliness?
• What comparison can we see between bodily discipline and spiritual discipline? Does one help the other?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.