But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 WEB

In chapter four of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he warns of the danger presented to the church by false teachers. Paul credits the Spirit as the source of this awareness. It is not clear to what scripture this refers. It is possible that the Holy Spirit personally inspired Paul. His words prophetically announce some members falling away from the church. Paul attributes the lost souls to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.

Pastors strive to keep the focus of their preaching on sound biblical doctrine. The same gospel taught today, by necessity, must be the same gospel taught yesterday and always. The truth of the Saving grace of God in Jesus Christ does not change. Anyone who teaches a different Christ also people astray. For this reason, Paul wrote in Galatians 1:9, “As we have said before, so I now say again: if any man preaches to you any ‘good news’ other than that which you received, let him be cursed. WEB”

Spiritual Wickedness

Paul’s message to Timothy warning of seducing spirits is similar to Jesus’ prophetic words about false teachers in the end times. As we read in Mark 13:22, “For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. WEB” 

Spiritual forces of darkness oppose the kingdom of heaven. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. KJV” Paul encourages Timothy to address the seducing spirits of false teaching with the church while adhering to the core message of salvation by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Love for One Another