1 Timothy 4:1

Scripture:

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” (NASB)

Observation:

They surround us, but which ones do we pay attention to? They are everywhere from the dashboards of our vehicles, to the roads we travel on, to the houses we live in. They are warning signs. The check engine light flickering in our car lets us know we have trouble under the hood. The flashing yellow lights along the highway let us know there is trouble ahead. Even the beeping of the smoke detector can tell us if there is a fire or a battery needs replaced, but what about the warning signs of our faith? Today's verse speaks that the Holy Spirit explicitly says explicitly says it will happen in later times. The days we are living in, some will fall away from the faith because they pay attention to deceitful spirits and false doctrines. You would immediately say, "Oh no, not me," but if it doesn't line up with God's Word, then it's not His Way. Just like some who take the batteries out of smoke detectors and leave them out what good is the detector? If we are not in God's Word daily, what good is it? Let's be careful to watch for the warning signs in our walk on this earth because we don't want to end up on the wrong detour for eternity.   

Application:

• Personal Application: Continue spending time with the Lord daily. Sow righteousness and reap the fruit of God's unfailing love. 
• Family Devotional: Read this chapter to your family. Ask them if anything spoke to them as you read. Talk about their answers and show them that one important aspect of this chapter is that we must continue to spend time with the Lord and keep our hearts focused on His plans and purposes. Pray for them.

TOM SEMBER has been involved in ministering to men for over 20 years. He is an ordained minister with the AG in the NY Ministry Network. Tom lives with his wife, Carolyn, and children in New York. You can connect with Tom on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.