THE APOSTASY
2 Timothy 3:1-9
INTRO: We often hear about what will take place during the last days. We hear about false prophets, immorality, blasphemy, etc.
Today, let’s see what the Apostle Paul said in his letter to a young minister, Timothy, concerning apostasy.
I. FALLING AWAY.
A. Apostasy means: "Falling away, the act of professed
Christians who deliberately reject revealed truth."
1. As to the deity of Christ.
2. Redemption through His atoning and redeeming sacrifice
(see 1 John 4:1-3).
B. Apostasy differs from:
1. Error concerning truth — the result of ignorance.
2. Heresy — which may be due to the snare of Satan.
3. Both of these may exist with true faith.
C. Apostate described.
1. 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
2. Apostates depart from the faith but not from the
outward profession of Christianity (see 3:5).
II. PERILOUS TIMES (v. 1).
A. Caused by: (v. 2).
1. Self love.
a. Carnal lusts more than spiritual values.
b. No Christian charity.
2. Covetousness.
a. Self love brings on a train of sins.
b. Covetousness sets one man against another.
3. Pride and Vain Glory.
a. Boasters and Blasphemers.
4. Disobedience.
5. Ungrateful and Unholy.
B. Perilous times are upon us.
1. Paul warns us — lest we be led astray (see v. 6).
2. They sneak inside to do their dirty work.
III. THE RESULT OF OUR APOSTASY.
A. Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses and disaster
followed.
B. God will permit Satan to deceive the world only so
long.
C. When the judgment comes--men must give an account of
their lives.
CONC: It is hard for a man to keep a good conscience during these difficult times. Two traitors inside the fort can do more harm to it than 2,000 besiegers outside. We must watch our attitude and actions in our church.
