Young People's Group

Standing Against the Apostasy in the End Times

by Mitchell Tan
October 28, 2016

THE WARNING OF APOSTASY

What is apostasy? It is defined as the abandonment of one’s faith and beliefs. It is not uncommon in today’s context to see people departing from the faith and turning to falsehood. This was something that Paul warned about in his epistle to Timothy.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith …”
1 Timothy 4:1

The word “depart” is the verb form of the Greek word “apostasia”. This Greek noun is where we derive the English word “apostasy”. There will be people who will totally abandon this precious faith we have in the Lord and they would seek to hold on to false ideas.

1. THE SPIRIT SPECIFICALLY SAYS

This is a clear and vital warning from the Spirit of God. In the Old Testament, whenever the Lord wanted to give a word, the prophet of the Lord would say, “Thus says the Lord”. In the gospels, whenever the Lord Jesus sought to teach or correct the people, He would say “But I say to you”. It is not very often that we read of this phrase “The Spirit expressly says”. Because it is so rare, it is vital that we take careful note of what the Spirit of God is saying to the people. It is an urgent and significant statement of fact.

2. A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE END TIMES

What the Spirit of God has to say is with regards to the End Times. Young people, we are living now in the End Times. The propagation of false teachings is so widespread today. It is vital that we guard ourselves against such apostasy.

THE DEMONIC INFLUENCE BEHIND THIS APOSTASY

“… Giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons”
1 Timothy 4:1

There are great demonic powers behind this growing apostasy.

1. THE SOURCE OF THIS DECEPTION IS “DECEIVING SPIRITS”

These fallen angels seek to deceive people into turning away from God and the faith we have in Him. Of course, Satan is known as the deceiver of the whole world (Revelation 12:9). It is Satan and his demons who are the cause of this apostasy.

2. THE MEANS IS THROUGH “DOCTRINES OF DEMONS”

The means of deception is through the creation of false doctrines. Such falsehood is from demons themselves. People can be deceived into holding fast to these demonic teachings.

TAKING HEED TO THIS WARNING OF APOSTASY

1. The challenge to wage a good warfare against falsehood (1 Timothy 1:18).

2. The challenge is to defend ourselves against false teachings:

a. To know the truth so well that we can discern falsehood.

b. To hold fast to the truth.

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