October 13, 2022

1 Timothy 4:1-5 (HCSB)
Demonic Influence
Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

Katie Sizemore
This is a warning to us in the church that we will know someone who will depart from the faith. Maybe a friend or family member you know is rejecting God. Most of us know of a family member or friend that has completely turned their back on God. They probably only knew Him in their crisis moment. You should not be shocked because time and time again throughout scripture it is said. Here are a few versus that mention such, 1 Samuel 15:11, Nehemiah 9:26, Acts 20:29 & 30, 1 John 2:19. To pay attention is way more than listening and looking. Pay attention here is to devote oneself to, or to cling to something. Deceitful spirits are misleading, deluding, leading astray, cause to wander. Wandering away from the truth is a goal of the teachings of demons. Before diving deep into the next “new thing”, do your research, ask advice from your mentor or Connect teacher. And always remember that God created marriage and food for us who believe. Make sure you praise and give Him thanks for both.