The Apostle Paul closed 1 Timothy 3 with an ancient hymn of praise filled with the good news of Jesus Christ. He opens the next section, 1 Timothy 4:1-6 with a sober warning. There is an opposing force against the truth of the gospel that is just as real today as at the time Paul wrote his instructions to the young preacher Timothy.

Paul previously stated the church is to be “the pillar and support of the truth” (3:15). So it should not come as a surprise to learn there will be people who will betray and abandon by conscious choice, the church. You cannot accidentally become an “APOSTATE!” You get into this position willfully. Christ had already warned in Matthew 24 there would be people who would subvert by their will, the gospel of Christ. Subversive doctrines throughout history never come in the front door of churches and announce they are subversive. It is always subtle and by slight of hand. The perpetrators are those whose consciouses have been “seared” as though a hot branding iron has scorched their ability to think correctly.

These hucksters of a false distorted doctrine can play havoc upon the role of Pastor. Pastors generally have spiritual enthusiasm and desire their congregations to be spiritual healthy. However, apostate individuals that believe they are doing God’s will by methods of destruction will show up in our life. In writing his commentary on this passage of scripture author Charles Swindle suggests three observations for Pastors today. I would offer thereto you:

1. Because there is a constant threat of apostasy, it should be a reminder that we are living in scriptures last days. Do not be surprised this occurs, we have been warned scripturally.
2. Satan is the source of all lies and he is quite good at his craft. Credible sounding speakers with pedigree and credentials will have visions and dreams that may divert you and I from scriptures truth claims. Know the truth, study the truth, so that apostasy can be recognized for what it is – subversive!
3. A movement fueled by false teachers can be difficult to resist. Character assassination is not gospel preaching. Pointing out the claims of scriptures is gospel preaching. This will expose the spirit of apostasy.

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