Topical Sermons Power Point Show

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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