1 Timothy 4:1-10

I. Warning against apostasy (4:1-5).

A. Some will depart from the faith.

B. How does this departure happen?

1. Find a false teacher.

Psalm 1:1-2 1Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

2. Listen to a false teacher.

Romans 16:17-18 17I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

3. Accept uncritically the false teaching.

Acts 17:11 11Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.

4. Devote yourself to the false teaching.

Acts 2:42 42And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

C. What is the common denominator in the two false doctrines stated in v.3? Read Col.2:16-23.

1. Forbidding marriage

2. Requiring abstinence from foods

*All false doctrine either:

Contradicts the Scripture

Binds where God has not bound

Liberates where God has not liberated

D. Things that God created, including marriage and food, are:

1. Good

2. To be received with thanksgiving

3. Not to be rejected.

4. Made holy

a. by the Word of God—if God says it’s holy, it’s holy.

b. by prayer—thanksgiving

II. Withstanding against apostasy (4:6-10)

A. Training in the words of faith and the good doctrine (vss.6,8).

B. Following the words of faith and the good doctrine

C. Teaching the words of faith and the good doctrine

D. Avoiding irreverent, silly myths

E. Striving toward God