A SPIRITUAL MINEFIELD

There are six points of Christology upon which a believer's faith lies ...

He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16

But as we move into chapter four, Paul warns Timothy of a coming apostasy that will plague the church. Wherever the light of the Gospel shines, the shadow of false doctrine lurks closely behind. There is always a danger of people adding to or subtracting from the message of the cross. 

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:1-2

The above revelation comes from the Spirit of God Himself. It was spoken 'expressly' ... that is, in specific terms so that there can be no question about what is being said. A follower of Christ must constantly be on guard against false teaching, for whenever divine 'truth' is revealed ... 'error' often raises its head. 

It is obvious that we are to resist the sin that is common to this world's overt carnality, but scripture reveals that Satan's most duplicitous weapon may be 'religion' itself. 

Thus ... seekers of truth have to navigate through a dangerous 'spiritual minefield'. 

False teachers are experts in the unholy art of seduction. They come to a man in his time of intellectual doubt, devastating sorrow, spiritual failure, or physical weakness. Heretics tactfully plant seeds of false doctrine that promise to satisfy one's desperate desire to be accepted by God. 

The all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ is rejected by their apostate belief system. 

Mormon and Jehovah's Witness teachings are undoubtedly among those which lead people down the wrong path. But know this ... mainline denominations have also become error-filled conduits of false narratives in these 'last days'. 

Faithfully study Scripture, pray without ceasing, and with God-given discernment ... walk by faith through the enemy's noxious minefield. 

The Lord will guard your way.