1 Timothy 4 1 3 NKJV 4 Now

1 Timothy 4: 1 -3 (NKJV) 4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Defending The Faith • This is the last lesson that will touch on our theme for 2019 • My hope and prayer is that these lessons have been beneficial to us • The goal was to convince us of the need to defend the faith, make us aware of the attacks and then equip us with what we need to defend

Defending The Faith • We have tried to do that on several topics that seem to be under attack • This morning we want to close out this year’s worth of lessons with an encouragement • That encouragement is simply…don’t give up!

Defending The Faith • Most wars that we read about over the centuries were not won in a day • Many of them lasted for quite some time • Those who claim victory in the end must be the same ones who have an attitude that they will not quit

Defending The Faith • It may be easier sometimes to just give in to those who want to change God’s word • It might seem like smoother sailing if we just go with the tide of what is popular or with what people simply want to do • However, we need to understand what is at stake in all of this…souls

Defending The Faith • Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ” (Matt. 16: 26) • Any “easier” gospel or a more “appealing” gospel or even a more “culture friendly” gospel is not worth losing one’s soul over

Defending The Faith • So we must stand firm, stand in the gap, and defend the faith • We must not let down our guard • “…I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3)

Attack The Faith • There will be those who attack the faith, calling it untrue or contradictory • They may say there is no God, or that the Bible is from man, or that there are many contradictions in the Bible • Anything they can say that will shake your faith, or the faith of someone else

Attack The Faith • This is precisely why we are told to know the word of God • Paul said scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, for correction and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3: 16) • He goes on to say that through preaching we reprove and rebuke (4: 2)

Attack The Faith • Jesus faced attacks when He taught the truth • We too will face attacks when we preach the truth of God’s word • This is why we must know the truth, so that we can defend it against those who would attack the faith

Abandon The Faith • We must stay strong because there will be those who seek to abandon the faith • 1 Timothy 4: 1 -2 • 2 Timothy 4: 3 -4 • Paul is warning Timothy because he knew there would be those who would leave

Abandon The Faith • Think about the purpose of the book of Hebrews • It was written to keep Jewish Christians from abandoning the faith and going back into Judaism • It doesn’t have to be Judaism, it can be the world or whatever we came out of

Adjust The Faith • There is yet another reason why we cannot let down our guard • There will be those who will seek to adjust or change the faith • These aren’t those who will simply attack the faith or abandon it

Adjust The Faith • This last group might be the worst because they are a combination of the first 2 • They attack the faith and then abandon it • However, they don’t simply walk away…they seek to change the truth so they can stay around

Adjust The Faith • This is what Paul was referring to in Galatians 1: 6 -9 • Who was changing the gospel? • Today there are many changes that are being implemented…even within the church

Adjust The Faith • These include many of the subjects we have covered this year • Someone may ask, “Does it really matter? ” • It matters because at the heart of it all is are we seeking to please God or man? (Gal. 1: 10; 1 Thess. 2: 4)