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Scripture Reading:  1 Timothy 4:1-3

 

History of the Church (#3)

Apostasy in the Lord's Church

Intro.
1.  With growth of the Lord’s church came problems of sin and error:

  a.  Examples: Acts 5:1-11; 15:1-2 (1 Cor. 11:19).

  b.  Satan never leaves the church alone, Rev. 12:17.

2.  Apostasy (aphisteemi): Lit., a standing away from (apo, from + histemi, to stand).

  a.  “To depart, go away from…apostatise” (Moulton, 62).

  b.  apostasis:  “A falling away, defection” (Thayer, 67).

  c.  aphisteemi:  Lk. 8:13; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:12.

  d.  Apostasy is a defection from the word, from the faith & from God.  It is departure from the divine standard.

3.  Apostasy is rooted in a lack of respect for divine authority, Col. 3:17.

 

I. WARNINGS AGAINST APOSTASY.

  A.  History Warns of Man Falling Away.

    1.  Adam & Eve: Departed from God’s perfect order of things.

    2.  World of Noah: Defected from godliness.

    3.  Israel: Wilderness, judges; divided kingdom… (1 Cor. 10:11).

    4.  Not surprised to see warnings of apostasy given to Christians.

  B.  NT Warnings against (Predictions of) Apostasy, Heb. 3:12-13.

    1.  Beware of false prophets who devour souls, Matt. 7:15-20.

      a.  False apostles, deceitful workers, 2 Cor. 11:13-15

      b.  False teachers with destructive heresies, 2 Pet. 2:1-2.

      c.  So, we must prove (test) the spirits, 1 Jno. 4:1 (2:18-19).

    2.  Warning & means of prevention, Acts 20:28-32.

    3.  apostasia coming....lawlessness.... error, 2 Ths. 2:3-4 (1-12).

    4.  Note: men would fall away from the faith (the faith would not fall away), 1 Tim. 4:1-3.

      a.  Error, hypocrisy & lies, seared consciences.

      b.  In contrast to “the truth” 4:3 (“the faith,” 4:1).

    5.  Characterized by not enduring sound doctrine, 2 Tim. 4:3-4.

  C.  Apostasy in NT (departures from truth).

    1.  Circumcision (Binding law of Moses), Acts 15; Gal. 5:3-4.

    2.  Philosophies, Col. 2:8, 22.

    3.  Corruption of worship (Lord’s Supper, 1 Cor. 11:20-22, 34).

    4.  Misunderstanding & misuse of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12-14).

    5.  Other doctrinal & moral departures:

      a.  Denying the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12; 2 Tim. 2:17-18).

      b.  Imminent return of Christ (2 Ths. 2:1-2).

      c.  Nature of Christ (humanity/deity) (1 Jno. 2:22; 4:2-3; 2 Jno 7).

    6.  Without exception, these departures signified a defiance against & rejection of divine authority; continues to be true.

 

II.  GUIDEPOSTS ON THE ROAD TO APOSTASY (churches of Asia).

  A.  Leaving our First Love, Rev. 2:4.

    1.  When Christianity becomes routine & ritualistic, & outward form is most important, apostasy is coming.

    2.  God demands obedience from a willing heart, Matt. 15:7-9.

    3.  Repent & do the first works, or fellowship ended, 2:5.

  B.  Compromise with Human Doctrines, Rev. 2:14-15.

    1.  The spirit of compromise with the world leads to apostasy.

    2.  When man sets the standard of doctrine & practice they compromise the truth of God; apostasy has occurred, Jude 3-4.

    3.  Repent, or the word of God will judge & condemn, 2:16.

  C.  Toleration of Evil & Error, Rev. 2:20-23.

    1.  When evil & error are overlooked rather than disciplined, apostasy already has a foothold among us.

    2.  Reprove, rebuke & exhort - Must not “allow” (2:20) such to continue, 1 Cor. 5:1-2; Eph. 5:11; 2 Tim. 4:2

    3.  Repent, or face great tribulation, 2:21-23.

  D.  Arrogance & Self-Righteousness, Rev. 3:1.

    1.  When reputation of our faithfulness is more important than our actual faithfulness, apostasy is certainly ahead.

    2.  Cf. Worlds standards of spiritual health:  Large memberships, elaborate buildings, financial power, influential members, reputation… (Lk. 18:9-14)

    3.  Vigilance, strengthening, perseverance – Repent, 3:2-3.

  E.  Spiritual Apathy, 3:15-17.

    1.  Apathy & self-sufficiency lulls us to sleep; ripe for error.

    2.  Spiritual apathy is self-deceiving, convincing us that we are okay, when in fact we are repulsive to Christ.

    3.  Repent and be zealous for Christ & His truth, 3:19.

 

Conclusion

1.  Apostasy was predicted & warned against in NT, yet, it happened.

2.  Apostasy still happens today.

3.  Protection against apostasy: Hold fast word of truth & do not be deceived:  Acts 20:32; 2 Ths. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13; 4:2; 1 Cor. 10:12.

4.  Next: The Path of Apostasy.

 

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