The Falling Away

by Hugh DeLong

“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, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron” (I Timothy 4:1-2).

Paul’s warning is based upon the fact that “The Spirit explicitly says” (or the Spirit speaks explicitly) – this is God’s message to disciples. It not only could happen, but it would (and did) happen. Who and what happened?

• Who? -  ‘some’ – that is, disciples.
• What? – fell away.
• From what? – the faith.

These disciples did not become atheists; they just began listening to a different authority! They remained religious, but their religion was based on different teachings.

Throughout these letters, Paul has spoken of “sound doctrine.” 'Sound' means that which is healthy – healthy for one’s soul and relationship with God. Sound teaching (I Timothy 1:10; II Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1); Sound words (Titus 1:13; 2:2, 8).

There is in these phrases a meaning of a norm or standard of teaching. That is from Paul (and hence from apostolic teaching revealed through the apostles and prophets). Note again what Paul wrote:

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge'” (I Timothy 6:20).

“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you” (II Timothy 1:13-14).

Now it is your turn! What teaching are you guarding and retaining? From what source did you learn it?