LAWLESSNESS not only causes a DEPARTING FROM THE FAITH, but it also causes people to “GIVE AN EAR TO and FOLLOWING” SEDUCING SPIRITS:
In these days which we live there seems to be a renewed “spirit of lawlessness” released upon the earth. I realize that the topic of sin and lawlessness is not a popular one, because we typically want to hear or read "feel good" stuff.
1 Timothy 4:1-3 ESV Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, (2) through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, (3) who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
The Greek word for “giving heed” in KJV or "devoting" in the ESV is “prosecho” and means to pay attention to, to apply oneself to, or to hear with the intent to obey.
The Greek word for “seducing” in KJV or "deceitful" in the ESV is “planos” and means roving, impostor, deceiver or misleader.
Rather than men listening to and following the Spirit of God, they find it easier and more expedient to yield to spirits that led astray. The spirits referred here are any that cause someone to err. The most obvious and natural reference is fallen spirits or demons. The seducing spirits may also apply to false teachers who are under the influence of evil spirits. This may be applied to any false teaching, but it is evident that the Apostle Paul had a specific apostasy in view. It is a false teaching that would greatly corrupt the Christian faith.
It has been true that people in all ages have been prone to giving heed to seducing spirits, but the reference here in 1 Tim.4:1 is a lawlessness that causes a great apostasy or falling away of Christians from the faith.
As a Pastor, I have been told by “professing Christians”, “I don’t care what you say the Bible teaches, I know what I believe.” We must see just how dangerous it is for us to establish doctrine out of things we were taught in the past or out of emotional ties to family, friends, or a certain Church that do not align to the character or Word of God.
I have been told by certain believers that they know their church and pastor teaches wrong doctrine but that is where their family and friends are. One guy told me that his Pastor led him to the Lord and no matter what happens he was not parting from that fellowship. This kind of thinking is nothing more than following seducing spirits and opening oneself up to being deceived.