Let’s remind ourselves of the verses we have been exploring before we dive into our second look at it.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

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.

In our last post on this passage, we discussed the concept of departing, and that it was not simply describing the one act of apostacy, or better yet, the verse didn’t simply use the term “apostacy” in the passage. In this post, we will look at the message of devotion, of believers devoting themselves to something other than the gospel and the Savior Lord.

Devoting themselves

Devoting. προσέχω proséchō

Paul continues in this verse describing those who are departing as devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. By using the word proséchō, Paul uses a word that is typically translated as that which holds the mind, to pay attention to, to adhere to. It is often translated as beware, pay attention to, and devote. A few examples may be helpful.

The Lord spoke this word many times in His ministry, warning His followers of false prophets (Matthew 7:15), the teaching of the Sadducees and Pharisees (Matthew 16:6), our own religious pride (Matthew 6:1), and of men (Matthew 10:17).

Luke used it also in the book of Acts, where it interestingly describes paying attention to magicians claiming God’s power.

Acts 8:10-11

They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.

When we get to Paul’s writing, especially the pastoral epistles, he speaks of devotion to myths and genealogies (1 Timothy 1:4), deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, commands of people who turn away from the truth (Titus 1:14), and wine (1Timothy 3:8).

With this summary of the word proséchō provided, might it be understood that this word is used in relation to outside influences? From being a warning of dangerous lifestyles or teaching, to defining what we are attracted to that is dangerous, this term in many contexts is associated with that which “pulls us away”.

To be pulled away means you have a starting point from which you are pulled away from, further helping us understand this verse as a warning to true believers.

To depart and devote is Paul’s concern in this verse. For believers to depart from the faith and to devote (pay attention) to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons must have been heartbreaking for Paul to describe.

This same term proséchō is not used exclusively in describing a pulling away from the faith, but is also used to direct believers to pay attention to truth.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Drifting away is a very real consequence for us who do not pay attention to what we have heard and know. Do not let it slip!

Finally, Peter provides us a fitting verse to end this scary passage describing the path of believers who are departing and devoting themselves to wrong teachings.

2 Peter 1:19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts,

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