Latter Times

I. EXORDIUM:

Are we in the last days?

II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:

Believers

III. OBJECTIVES:

To enumerate the people does in the latter times, namely: (1) some will abandon the faith, (2) they will follow deceiving spirits, and (3) follow things taught by demons.

IV. TEXT:

1 Timothy 4:1 (Amplified Bible)

BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach,

V. THESIS:

Be doers of the WORD.

VI. TITLE:

Latter times

VII. EXPLICATION:

A. Author: Apostle Paul

B. Date written: About 64 A.D., but uncertain

C. To whom written: Timothy, Paul's true son in the faith

1 Timothy 1:2 (New International Version)

To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

D. Main themes: Advice and exhortation to a young pastor respecting his personal conduct and ministerial work

E. Keyword: conduct

F. Key verse:

1 Timothy 3:15 (New International Version)

if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

VIII. MAIN BODY:

We are in the latter times or the last days.

Daniel 12:4 (Amplified Bible)

But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the Book until the time of the end. [Then] many shall run to and fro and search anxiously [through the Book], and knowledge [of God’s purposes as revealed by His prophets] shall be increased and become great.

Daniel 12:9-10 (Amplified Bible)

And he [the angel] said, Go your way, Daniel, for the words are shut up and sealed till the time of the end.

Many shall purify themselves and make themselves white and be tried, smelted, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly. And none of the wicked shall understand, but the teachers and those who are wise shall understand.

A. Some will abandon the faith

"BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith,"

Apostasy - An abandonment of what one has professed; a total desertion, or departure from one's faith or religion.

1 Timothy 1:19 (Amplified Bible)

Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.

2 Timothy 4:4 (Amplified Bible)

And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.

Hebrews 3:12 (Amplified Bible)

[Therefore beware] brethren, take care, lest there be in any one of you a wicked, unbelieving heart [which refuses to cleave to, trust in, and rely on Him], leading you to turn away and desert or stand aloof from the living God.

2 Peter 3:17-18 (Amplified Bible)

Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless and wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind].

But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!

1 Timothy 4:16 (Amplified Bible)

Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Make sure your way of life is in line with GOD's Words or the doctrines that you believed or else it will only be faith without action.

James 2:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

But someone will say [to you then], You [say you] have faith, and I have [good] works. Now you show me your [alleged] faith apart from any [good] works [if you can], and I by [good] works [of obedience] will show you my faith.

You believe that God is one; you do well. So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]!

B. Follow deceiving spirits

"giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits"

Ephesians 6:12 (Amplified Bible)

For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.