1. N.T Warnings of Apostasy. Was anxious that time was coming when sound teaching would be in danger. Human pride in seeking a ‘following’ would cause existing and new brethren to distort the truth and introduce lies. Paul thought that truth v error really mattered. Paul’s words of warning in Acts 20:29,30 spoken at Miletus on way to Jerusalem - not expecting to return.

3. Lies in Hypocrisy. 1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; (1 Tim 4)

5. Antidote to Apostasy. What is the remedy? To WATCH - keep awake to reject distortion of the truth. To turn unreservedly to the only source of truth in scripture “the word of his grace.” (Acts 20:31,31).

6. Other N.T. Warnings. “... they shall turn away their ears from the truth” “...they will not endure sound doctrine.” (2 Tim 4:4) Could words be any clearer? The true teaching of God’s word was going to be abandoned - it would be rejected in favour of ‘fables’, that is mythology. The Apostle John himself had similarly warned of the undermining of the truth - which was already happening. (2 John:7)

7. Deceivers and Antichrist. 7 ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 2 John