1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
I. What does it mean to fall away? (1:1a) II. What cause them to fall away? (1:1b-3a) III. What keeps you from falling away? (1:3b-5)
12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Theme: God commands believers to work out what He has worked in them.
3 Principles for believers to comprehend about sanctification to make us more like Christ:
People cannot work for salvation (v.12)
Believers must work out their salvation. (v.12)
Believers are enabled by God to be sanctified. (v13)
