When reading your Bible, do you ever ask yourself, Why? Why is this in here? Why does it matter? Why might I need to hear about this today? That question of why should always be in the back of our minds, as it leads to a deeper understanding and application of what we’re reading. With that in mind, have you ever wondered why we are warned about apostasy? (1 Timothy 4:1–5)
Apostasy is the deliberate turning away from Christ. Paul warns that many will abandon sound doctrine, choosing instead to follow teachings that suit their desires. This falling away is rarely sudden, it’s often the result of slowly drifting into complacency. Instead of hungering for the truth, people begin hungering for what simply sounds good or encouraging.
While being uplifted and reminded of God’s love is something we should desire, it doesn’t mean we should overlook the correction found in God’s Word. Both encouragement and correction are necessary for growth.
Some truths may be hard to hear or accept, but they are recorded for a reason: God intentionally inspired His writers to warn us. By taking those warnings seriously, we stand firm against complacency and remain faithful, grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
Josh Schutkowski