1 Timothy 4:1

“But the Spirit explicitly says”: This is in contrast to the truth presented in 1 Timothy 3:16. “With such wonderful truths to occupy their minds and fill their hearts, one would think that men would not busy themselves with other and very different things” (Reese p. 161). Note what the Spirit says. The Holy Spirit is speaking through Paul, so this is the equivalent of the expression, “Thus saith the Lord”. All revelation, whether Old Testament or New Testament is the product of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; John 16:13; 2 Peter 1:21).

1 Timothy 4:1 “Explicitly”: “In express words” (Thayer p. 563). That is, clearly stated, leaving nothing implied, definite, saying what is meant without reservation. ”The Holy Spirit was not using symbols, or shadowy images of the future” (Reese p. 161).

In spite of this discouraging news, Timothy must continue to preach the truth in the face of such an apostasy (2 Timothy 4:2). “Timothy must work under the realization of the fact that along with the believing reception being accorded to the preaching of the Gospel in many quarters there will come. definite falling away from the faith” (Hiebert p. 75).

1 Timothy 4:1 “That in the latter times”: This is not talking about some time right before the end of the world. The term simply denotes time in the future. The plural “times” may indicate that such seasons of apostasy come and go and will be many.

1 Timothy 4:1 “Some”: Not all, but some.

1 Timothy 4:1 “Fall away”: To apostatize (Luke 8:13; Hebrews 3:12). To move away from one's original position. This clearly teaches that these people who fall away were Christians, for. person cannot fall away from. position they never occupied. “Denotes. standing away from original position” (Kent p. 148).

1 Timothy 4:1 “From the faith”: “Objectively, the substance of Christian faith or what is believed by Christians” (Thayer p. 513). “That which is believed, body of faith or belief, doctrine” (Arndt p. 664). That is, such people have fallen away from what the Bible teaches (1 Timothy 1:19; 1 Timothy 3:9; 1 Timothy 4:6; 1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Timothy 6:10; 1 Timothy 6:21).

1 Timothy 4:1 “Paying attention to”: To attach oneself to, hold, follow (Titus 1:14). This means not merely listening to, but yielding to. People fall away because to whom and what they are giving their attention.

1 Timothy 4:1 “Deceitful”: Misleading, any kind of deceiver or corrupter (2 John 1:7).

1 Timothy 4:1 “Spirits”: That this, those who claim to be inspired (2 Thessalonians 2:2; 1 John 4:1). “Every pretender of inspiration” (Macknight p. 225). These men are not revealing God's truth, but rather are preaching the devil's lies.

1 Timothy 4:1 “And doctrines of demons”: “Teaching suggested by devils” (P.P. Comm. p. 68). This expression does not mean that these men are possessed by demons, but rather the ultimate source of their false doctrine is Satan, for he is the father of all lies (John 8:44; James 3:15). Note carefully that if one is not listening to God, the only alternative is listening to evil.