Apostasy

Apostasy comes from the word apostasia, a compound of two words, apo meaning 'from' and stasia from which we get a state of equilibrium or a 'set position.' Apostasy then includes those who move away from a doctrinal position that they once held sacrosanct. The apostle Paul informed young pastor Timothy that in the last days, this departure from the faith would be marked by "giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth" (1Tim.4:1-3). These individuals will not abandon the faith but move away from sound doctrine to a gospel of tolerance and sensationalism that panders to their desires. Because of itching ears, they will heap to themselves teachers who will turn their ears away from the truth to fables (2Tim.4:3-4). These discourses aim to help you recognize the nature and stealth of apostasy so that you are not ensnared by what is being seen today as popular faith so that when you stand before Christ, you would not have run or labored in vain.