1 Timothy 4:1-9

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Warning About Doctrines of Demons; Rejecting Myths and Fables

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There are doctrines of demons to refute.

  2. There are myths and fables to be rejected.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Stay in spiritual shape.

QUESTIONS

  1. When are the “latter times” spoken of in 1 Timothy 4:1?

  2. Who were the false teachers?

  3. Are there false teachers in the churches today?

  4. Who are demons?

  5. List two examples of the doctrines of demons.

  6. Are these examples relevant today?

ANSWERS

  1. They had already started in Timothy’s day, but they would continue to get worse and worse. See 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

  2. Both believers and unbelievers who were teaching false doctrine.

  3. Unfortunately, yes.

  4. They are fallen angels who are involved in many different wicked activities, under the guidance of Satan.

  5. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from certain foods.

  6. Yes. Many cults and some New Age groups promote these ideas.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. False teachers will give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. There are many different kinds of demons, and many false teachings that influence men. For example, all throughout Church History celibacy and abstinence from certain foods has been promoted. What should be done about these false teachings? They should be refuted with the truth. These gifts from God are to be received with thanksgiving. Both marriage and food are sanctified.

  2. During Timothy’s time, there were a lot of inter-testamental writings containing myths and fables. These were to be rejected. The same is true today, not only of the same apocryphal writings but more. How? By reading, coming to know, and obeying the word of God.

CHALLENGE

  1. It’s OK and even good to stay in physical shape, but not at the expense of your spiritual life. Keep your priorities straight. Godliness is what really counts. Discipline and guard your spiritual life.

KEY VERSES

  • “ The Spirit says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. ” - 1 Timothy 4:1

  • “ Reject profane and old wives’ fables. ” - 1 Timothy 4:7

  • “ Exercise yourself toward godliness...for godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which will come. ” - 1 Timothy 4:7-8



1 Timothy, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms1 Timothy 4:1-9