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.
— 1 Timothy 4:1 —
P. S. | Middle East
Anyone who has been a believer for some time knows at least one person who has denied the faith. Sometimes people who once faithfully attended church, read the Bible, and served in various ministries reject Christ altogether. How should believers react to this kind of apostasy? First, we should not be surprised. The Spirit has told us that apostasy will happen. There will always be some who look like true Christians but have a counterfeit faith. Second, we should not be discouraged. We know that only some will fall away and that all those who are kept by Christ’s power will endure. the source of all false doctrine is deceitful spirits and demons. Christ is building His church and will continue to build it until He returns. Third, we should not be deceived. If apostasy can happen to others who have professed Christ, it can happen to us. We should not be arrogant and over-confident concerning our own salvation. We must be wary of all forms of false teaching, which ultimately find their source in Satan, the deceiver. In the country where I minister, there are a large number of officially recognized religious sects, including both Christian and Muslim groups. Though it is a very religious place, there are very few gospel-preaching churches. Most of the religion that is practiced here does not honor Christ and it leads people to destruction. And the Holy Spirit, speaking through the apostle Paul, tells us that the source of all false doctrine is deceitful spirits and demons. Are you trusting in Christ to keep you in the faith and to protect you from all errors?
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