1Tim 4-6 Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him as he pastored the new church in Ephesus. Paul had warned the Ephesian elders that after his departure, grievous wolves would seek entrance to seek, kill and destroy the faith of the new believers. “I know that after I am gone fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Even from among your own group men will arise, teaching perversions of the truth to draw the disciples away after them.” [Acts 20:29-30] And what Paul told them was coming true for Timothy as the new pastor.

Timothy was facing an upside-down world, just as we are today. Men then and men today infiltrate the church seeking to teach that celibacy or a specialized diet must be followed for one to be sanctified. Peter had the same problem in Acts 10, and God spoke clearly: “What God has made clean, you must not consider ritually unclean!” [Acts 10:15]

Our hearts break when we hear of those who have departed from the faith. Be encouraged precious reader. Stand firm in your faith and rejoice in those living according to the truth.