AM Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 4.1-5 (nkjv)

This Morning’s Sermon:

 Brent T. Willey

PERSONAL APOSTASY

Introduction:

1. A commonly asked question is, “Why do some leave the faith?”

2. Next, what do I mean by apostasy?

   1. Webster:“1:renunciation of a religious faith2:defection.”

   2. Greek: apostasia- “defection from the truth” (Strong); “a falling away” (Thayer); “abandonment” (Gingrich).

   3. Used twice in the New Testament: Acts 21.21; 2 Thess. 2.3

3. “Personal apostasy” is when one defects from the truth or abandons the true teachings of Christ, an issue that was addressed by Jesus Himself, as well as the apostles.

4. What is more distressing is the fact than many evangelical churches do not believe that personal apostasy is possible!

I. THE PERIL OF PERSONAL APOSTASY

1. Early disciples of Jesus. (John 6.66-68)
2. Galatian Christians influenced by Judaizers. (Gal. 5.1-4)
3. The Holy Spirit said it would happen. (1 Tim. 4.1-5)
4. The Hebrew writer warns of such. (Heb. 3.12-14; 10.26-39)
5.  Peter’s graphic description of defection. (2 Pet. 2.20-22)

• Apostasy comes in many different forms!

II. SOME REASONS FOR PERSONAL APOSTASY

1. Some conclude the Lord’s teachings are too hard. (John 6.60)
2. Some feel the truth is too strict or too narrow. (Matt. 7.13-14)
3. Some are looking for convenience religion. (Matt. 19.16-22)
4. Some are looking for entertainment. (John 4.23-24)
5. Some are discouraged by hypocrisy. (Matt. 5.16; 1 John 3.18)

• We need to be busy training all to be faithful servants of God by dealing accurately with Scripture and by demonstrating genuine love and concern in our godly example!

Conclusion: Every soul is important, and it should be our goal not to lose anybody to the deceptive devices of Satan.