Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Christians do not always remain faithful to the Lord either in their beliefs or in their behavior. Hymenaeus and Alexander, who were evidently fellow workers with Paul and possibly elders in the Ephesian church, denied truth regarding the resurrection (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17) and vigorously opposed Paul’s teaching (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14). Paul warned Timothy not to wander away from the true teachings of the faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21). When cultists come knocking on the door, they want people to adopt their unbiblical views and to abandon their belief in the truths of orthodox Christianity. Paul’s warning in chapter 4 is very relevant, much needed, and vital for us to heed as genuine believers. [Note: See Robert N. Wilkin, "Saving Faith and Apostasy: Do Believers Ever Stop Believing?" Grace Evangelical Society News 6:11 (November 1991):1, 4.] 