SOME WILL ABANDON THE FAITH

10/22/2021

OCTOBER 22 - START YOUR DAY RIGHT DEVOTION

1 Timothy 4:1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

SOME WILL ABANDON THE FAITH

The Holy Spirit has clearly revealed and warned that in the end times many people will fall away from personal faith in Jesus Christ and reject the truth of God’s Word (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Jude 1:3-4).

This will even include some ministers who are highly gifted and empowered by God. They may accomplish great things for God and preach the message of Christ effectively, but in the end, they will turn from the faith and give in to the deception and enticement of evil spirits and false teaching. Because of their position, past effectiveness and former passion for God, these unfaithful ministers will mislead many.
Many believers will abandon their faith because they will fail to love the truth enough to defend it and obey it in the face of intense opposition (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Because of their lack if devotion to the truth, they will not resist the God-defying trends of the last days (Matthew 24:5, 10-12; 2 Timothy 3:2-3). Many in the church will not tolerate the truth if it challenges or contradicts their own behaviors and lifestyles. As a result, the distorted message presented by compromising ministers and educators will find little resistance in many churches (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:5; 4:3; 2 Corinthians 11:13).
The increasing popularity of unbiblical teaching will be primarily the result of Satan and his demonic forces of evil intensifying their opposition to God’s work. Christ’s second coming will be preceded by an increase in satanism (devil worship), spiritism (supposed communication with the dead), the occult (religious practices involving magic and witchcraft), demon possession (evil spirits inhabiting the bodies of humans and taking control of their lives) and deception from evil spirits. These things will occur in the world at large, as well as among people in the church (Ephesians 6:11-12).
The Christian’s protection against deception involves complete dependence on and loyalty to God and His inspired Word. It also involves recognizing that individuals with great charisma and God-given ability can be deceived and can, in turn, deceive others with messages that mix truth with error. This awareness must be joined by a sincere determination to fulfill God’s purpose (John 7:17), to do what is right by His standard and to live with an appropriate fear of God – an attitude that reminds us of our accountability to Him and causes us to depend on Him (Psalms 25:4-5, 12-15).
Faithful followers of Christ must not think that the widespread rebellion and faithlessness within Christianity during the last days will prevent authentic revival or successful evangelism. God has promised that during the “last days” He will save all who call on His name (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). This refers to those who sincerely entrust their lives to Him and refuse to take part in the corrupt beliefs, behaviors and lifestyles that are so common in the world. God promises to pour out His Spirit on such people – young and old – to fill and empower them for faithful and effective ministry in the last days (Acts 2:16-21, 33, 38-40; 3:19).

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