1st Timothy 4:1 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.
This passage of scripture must be referring to the times in which we live currently, for there has been no other period in earth's history when the truths of God's word have been so shrouded in a maze of private interpretations and philosophical ideologies. After the early Christian church was formed, there was no need to explain some of the doctrines we now grapple with, for it was understood beyond the shadow of a doubt that the law of God was the rule and guide of life for the Christian. That's one of the reasons why the validity of the seventh day Sabbath is hardly ever addressed as a controversial issue in most of the new testament, for everyone, including the heathen knew that the seventh day was God's holy day of rest.
One of the dangers of imbibing false doctrines is that our faith and practice is directly affected by what we believe, and if we believe something that is false, we will take actions in a framework of that which is not true, and thereby err, or make very grievous mistakes that are unnecessary. Back then it was believed that pagan deities were appeased through offerings, and so, whenever trouble came upon pagan lands, they would offer sacrifices to their gods, sacrifices that increased in value until the curse or trouble was supposedly removed, and if the issue persisted, then they would go one step further by offering human sacrifices. This practice was strictly forbidden by God in the scriptures. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 18:9 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Now, it is true that many of these prohibitions stated above are still subscribed to in modern times, and the actions and indulgences practiced by millions are directly tied to false doctrines that are held as being sacred truths. One of the more prominent doctrines held by millions is the belief in the consciousness of the dead, a doctrine that has consequently triggered the unprecedented multiplication of wizards and wizardry, to the point where the world's most prominent religious leaders and politicians, frequently encourage those under their jurisdiction to watch those movies that advocate witchcraft, a practice that is strictly forbidden by God.
As a result of this particular indulgence in the supernatural, the minds of those who subscribe to its teachings are coming more and more under the spell of demons, as manifested in the very unnatural crimes being committed nationally and abroad. The Bible tells us in no uncertain terms why the resurgence and multiplication of demonic manifestations are taking place. Let's read:
Revelation 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
It follows then that we all have a personal and sacred duty to ascertain the authenticity of the many popular doctrines that have come upon the stage of action, for there is danger lurking wherever un-scriptural beliefs are held. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to study God's word diligently, for our salvation and our sanity depend on it. Let's read:
2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May God add His blessing to the study of His every word. "Good night" and God bless!