“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1).
This verse is the beginning of a passage in which Paul wrote to Timothy regarding apostasy. When we think of apostasy, we typically think of ones who take liberties that God has not allowed or do not obey all of His commands and instructions. This is rightly classified as apostasy. However, this apostasy (falling away) that the Spirit warned about did not have to do with one taking too many liberties, but with one taking away another’s liberties by making rules in addition to God’s word.
Notice the two examples given (1 Timothy 4:3). Keep in mind that these are described as “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1):
- Forbidding marriage – This is talking about forbidding a couple from marrying who have a right to marry each other. As we study God’s marriage law, we understand that there are certain people who, because of their circumstances, do not have a right to marry. This verse is not talking about forbidding people in those circumstances from marrying. The Bible teaches that there are three groups of people who are free to marry – those who have never been bound in marriage (obviously), those whose spouse has died (Romans 7:2-3), and those who put away their spouse for fornication (Matthew 19:9). Man has no right to forbid or condemn those that fall in one of these groups from marrying another that also falls into one of these groups.
- Forbidding the eating of certain foods – Under the old law, there were many foods that the Israelites were prohibited from eating. But that law has been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). “Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink” (Colossians 2:16). Some of the Jews in the first century, after being converted to Christ, tried to bring certain things over from the old law to the new. Paul said it was wrong to do this. Other Christians who came from a pagan background were accustomed to the idols, connected the meat offered to idols with the worship of those idols, and then believed it was wrong to eat such meats because it tied them to idol worship (1 Corinthians 8:7). Paul understood that “an idol is nothing in the world” (1 Corinthians 8:4); therefore, he could eat in good conscience. However, he would abstain if his brother was offended (1 Corinthians 8:13). But just because Paul was willing to abstain, that did not mean that the weak brethren could make a rule that it was wrong to eat these meats and then condemn their brethren. God accepts those who eat meat (Romans 14:3).
Some may see these positions as “safe.” After all, if one refrains from marrying, they commit no sin. If one abstains from certain foods, no sin is committed in this either. But these positions are only “safe” when kept to oneself and not bound upon others. If you do not want to marry, for whatever reason, fine. But do not condemn a couple who have the right to marry from doing so. If you decide to not eat certain foods, fine. But do not pass judgment against one who eats those foods.
There is an underlying danger in these positions described here. They elevate man’s words to the level of God’s words. Not only must one submit to the Lord, he is told he must also submit to the additional decrees of other men. Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees for making extra requirements and demands of the people in religious service. “They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders” (Matthew 23:4).
Paul had to deal with certain ones who tried to make additional requirements on the Gentile Christians. They said they had to be circumcised (according to the old law) in order to be saved. Paul said, “We did not yield into subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you” (Galatians 2:5). The type of teaching that Paul warned Timothy about is the same type of teaching he opposed here – binding things that God has not bound.
Paul said he opposed such teaching “so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.” Following after this teaching that would couple man’s teachings with God’s word would result in apostasy. Brethren leave the truth when they bind their opinion upon others or when they allow others to bind opinions upon them. Such teaching is classified as the “doctrines of demons.” It blurs the distinction between God’s word and man’s word. Let us guard ourselves from such apostasy. Let us be content to stay within the confines of Scripture and not bind anything upon anyone except that which God requires in His word.
