“Some will depart from the faith.” That was already true in Paul’s time. Some Christians were beginning to believe that, because spiritual things are so important, the material world was somehow evil in itself. That’s why some false teachers were urging Christians to abstain from sex and from certain kinds of food (v. 3).

Our modern false teachers are, of course, inclined to pull Christians in the opposite direction. Today, the preachers of the prosperity gospel insist that material wealth always accompanies true faith, while those who follow the errors of Romanticism insist that God wants everyone to be happy by fulfilling whatever desires they might have, no matter what limits the Bible puts on human behavior, and no matter what they may have promised in their marriage vows.

So, how are we to resist such false teachings? Most obviously, we need to listen to good teachers. But how are we to identify them? Well, instead of pointing to the need for impressive educational credentials or expensive clothes, Paul encouraged Timothy to train himself for godliness (v. 7), and to set an example for his fellow believers “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (v. 12). Moreover, Paul urged Timothy to keep his focus on the most important part of his job: the public reading of Scripture, teaching and exhorting people to base their lives on its truths (v. 13). That’s the way Timothy would truly bring salvation to those who listened to him (v. 14).

So of course we need godly, earnest pastors like that. But let’s face it: even the best of pastors can’t help people who refuse to listen to their words or follow their example. For if we set our hope anywhere except on the living God, the Savior of all who trust in Him (v. 10), we will be bitterly disappointed.

So by all means, let us seek to listen only to those who are following and teaching the true Word of God. But let us also determine to live according to the Word they teach us and the example they set for us – living in love, faith and purity.

I Timothy 4:1-16 (ESV)

Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,
5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;
8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.
10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.
15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.
16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.