Christian Apostasy: A Conscious Defection from the Christian Faith 1 Timothy 6:3-10

1. Christian Apostasy: A Conscious Defection from the Christian Faith1 Timothy 6:3-10 • Apostasy = A deliberate departure, defection, revolt or rebellion • “A willful failing away from or rebellion against Christianity. It is the rejection of Christ by one who has been a Christian ...” Zondervan Encyclopedia

2. It is generally caused by: (B. J. Oropeza) • Temptations: (Moral, ethical, intellectual, etc.) • Deceptions: (A False teacher, prophets, promises, etc.) • Persecutions: (Threats, torture, etc.)

3. First Century (Ephesus) • a) Gnosticism; (1:4)“devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” • b) Asceticism: (4:3) “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.” • c.) Prosperity Preachers (6:5b) “... who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

4. 1. Paul’s Analysis of Apostates in Ephesus • 6:3-5 “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

5. The Apostates Teaching (v.3) • The Apostates Character (v.4) • The Apostates Corruption (v.4,5)

6. 2. Paul’s Solution to Apostasy • 1 Timothy 6:.6-10 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

7. a) Godliness with contentment is great gain (v.6-8) • Ecc. 5:10 “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” • Phil.4:11b-13 “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

8. v.8 “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. “ • Luke 12:27-30: 27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.

9. b) Greed is Loss • v.9,10 “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. • -The Reason: • v.10 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.