Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023)
Article: Recognizing Demonic Doctrine: The Essential Safeguard Of A Dispensational Framework For 1 Timothy 4:1–5
Author: Cory M. Marsh

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Recognizing Demonic Doctrine: The Essential Safeguard Of A Dispensational Framework For 1 Timothy 4:1–5

Cory M. Marsh1

Key Words: Demons, Asceticism, Marriage, Law, Kosher

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Introduction

First Timothy 4 evinces a sharp contrast between doctrines of demons and doctrines of Scripture. Paul states explicitly that doctrines of demons will be especially manifest in “later times” (4:1). Such a period of history is different than the eschaton or “last days” just prior to the Lord’s return, which is characterized by rampant moral wickedness (2 Tim 3:1–9). Paul’s “latter times” in 4:1 is marked, not by moral decline, but by a departure from the faith by means of following false doctrine. Since prophetic Scriptures concerning the day of the Lord and tribulation period exhibit global political and cosmic signs following the rapture, signs of doctrinal deterioration that Paul describes in his first epistle to Timothy must refer to the current era enveloping the Christian church. A noted characteristic of this dispensation is demonically inspired doctrine—specifically, false teaching that tempts believers to return to marriage and dietary laws that regulated previous dispensations.

By way of historical, exegetical, and theological analyses of 1 Timothy 4:1–5, this article will demonstrate that divine commands, when not interpreted according to a dispensational framework, may, in fact, be doctrines of demons. As believers

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are no longer regulated by the Mosaic code, but rather grace, Christians are free from laws that false teachers use to bind their consciences to an economy never intended for them. These demonic doctrines specifically include prohibitions on marriage and food that regulated national Israel under an economy of law. Thus, hermeneutics weighs in the balance, and recognizing divine economies in Scripture becomes paramount in keeping believers from following doctrines of demons instead of following genuine doctrines of Scripture.

A Safeguard Proposed

Virtually all English translations are correct to set off the pericope in 1 Timothy 4:1–5 as a new major unit in the epistle. The Tyndale House Greek NT, which uses manuscripts only up through the fifth century, marks it off distinctly following the ancient scribal habit of ekthesis, a sort-of precursor to the moder...