Web of Lies

Aug 17, 2025    Hunter Bowers

Paul warns Timothy of a culture filled with falsehoods and demonic teachings.

Our world today mirrors this reality: many follow worldly wisdom instead of the Spirit of God. This is a web of deception, and like prey falling into a spider's web many fall victim to it.

Anything not led by the Holy Spirit ultimately opens the door to deception.


I. The Culture of Deception (1 Timothy 4:1–4)

- “In later times some will depart from the faith…” (v.1)

- Anything not of the Holy Spirit is demonic.

Example: People consult zodiac signs instead of God’s Word.

- Deception is deceiving – it looks like truth but leads away from Christ.

The danger: hearts become hardened and consciences seared.


II. The Call to Holiness

- Sanctification is a process

- Growth in holiness happens daily through surrender and obedience.

- Requires renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2).

- Do not grieve the Holy Spirit

- Ephesians 4:30 reminds us the Spirit is God’s seal.

- Sin, compromise, and worldly thinking push Him aside.


III. Renewing the Mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:17–32)

- Renewing your mind = retraining your brain.

- Thinking → Emotions → Actions.

- Paul’s command in Ephesians 4:

- “Do not live like the world.”

- Put off the old self and die to the flesh.

- True renewal comes from Christ dwelling in us.


IV. The Work of Christ

- Jesus’ sacrifice redeems us from deception and sin.

- His redemption calls us to walk in truth, holiness, and Spirit-filled living.

- Our daily choices either align us with the Spirit or with the world.


Application Points

1. Guard against deception by clinging to God’s Word.

2. Commit to the process of sanctification — growth is daily, not instant.

3. Honor the Holy Spirit — do not grieve Him by compromise.

4. Actively renew your mind through prayer, Scripture, and godly habits.

5. Remember: Jesus redeemed you not to live like the world, but to live set apart.


Closing Thought

- In a culture of lies, the church must be a people of truth.

- Christ redeemed us so that we may walk in holiness, led by the Spirit, and live as witnesses of His Kingdom.