In both of Paul’s letters to Timothy he addressed traits that would characterize humanity in the time preceding Jesus’ return to earth. I’ll begin with the teaching from his first letter to Timothy.
1Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
I think one of the first things to note in this section of scripture is that Paul is instructing Timothy regarding problems he will encounter in ministry to the “church,” all those who profess their faith in Jesus as Lord. Scripture is clear in telling us that not all who profess Jesus as Lord actually possess or yield to Him as Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Considering the scripture from both Timothy and Matthew, it would seem that in the last days there will be an increase in the number of people in Christendom who will separate themselves from people of true faith. Faith is an unwavering confidence in the truth of God and His word. As time for the return of Jesus approaches, the moral convictions of professing Christians will become more aligned with accepted cultural morals. They will not hold firm to the truth of faith in Christ Jesus as the only way to salvation. They will not hold fast to the whole of scripture as the inspired word of God.
Paul goes on to explain that seducing spirits and doctrines of devils will be responsible for this departure from the faith. Obviously these seducing spirits are utilizing human beings that are masquerading as followers of Jesus. What they expound as truth is actually the perverted teaching of demons. They are hypocrites who pretend virtue and a reverence and love of God, but they are actually serving self. They are so convincing because their conscience has been totally desensitized; Paul uses the Greek word from which we get our word for cauterize. This seared conscience goes hand in hand with a hard heart. These people are impervious to guilt or shame.
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