2Thessalonians 2:5-6 Remember you not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now you know what withhold that he might be revealed in his time.
Seven things incited by the mystery of iniquity (continues): [4] Speaking lies in hypocrisy (1Tim. 4:2). The Greek word pseudologos means speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be the truth. [5] Having the conscience seared with a hot iron (1Tim. 4:2). The Greek word kauteriazo means to sear with a red hot iron; to brand; to be seared in conscience. It means to make callous, withered, hardened, and insensible to right and wrong. It was customary in ancient times to mark criminals with a hot iron so that (according to the heathen) the infernal judges would know their vices and appoint them punishment according to their sins. [6] Forbidding to marry (1Tim. 4:3). To forbid means to prohibit, hinder, oppose, or operate against. Seducing spirits influence people to hinder and operate against wedlock by enticing them to meet the demands of the sex drive apart from the sanctity of marriage. To heed (as in “giving heed to seducing spirits,” 1Tim. 4:1) means to pay attention to and act under the leadership and control of. Hence, those who satisfy their sexual needs through perversions – any of the ways contrary to what is approved by Scripture – are under the control, more or less, of demons (Rom. 1:21-28; Lev. 20:13; Joel 3:3). This also applies to religions that discourage or forbid marriage to anyone among laymen or clergy. Marriage is honourable to all and the bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4; 1Cor. 7:1-40). [7] Commanding to abstain from meats (1Tim. 4:3). Among the heathen and even some of the so-called Christians, certain meats and food are forbidden in utter disregard of 1Timothy 4:3-4. Such unscriptural commanding under the new covenant is prompted by demons arrayed against the gospel and the liberty it provides regarding food (Gen. 9:1-7; Rom. 14:1-6).
Living the Word 