Introduction:

            1.    Some ,not all, were to depart from the faith.
            2.    If Baptist doctrine of "once in grace, always in grace, is true, 
                  departure would be impossible. Or else it would be possible to
                  "depart from the faith" and remain in "grace."

 I.     SHOW THE GROWTH OF THE EARLY CHURCH. 
            1.    Multitudes were being added. Acts 5:14 
            2.    Hard for us to imagine the problems that arose.
            3.    Persecution, indifference and worldliness had caused some
                   to depart.
            4.    The Spirit spoke expressly about a departure resulting from
                   "seducing spirits."
            5.    Paul predicted the departure at Ephesus. Acts 20:30

  II.    SOME CASES OF INDIVIDUAL APOSTASY.

          1.    Hymenaeus and Alexander. 1 Tim. 1:19,20
          2.    Phygellus and Hermogenes. 2 Tim. 1:15 
          3.    Demas. 2 Tim. 4:10

  III.     SPIRIT SPOKE OF A GREAT APOSTASY. 
          1.    Some would depart-- not all. 
          2.    Some would give heed to seducing spirits. 
          3.    Some would listen to doctrines of devils. 
          4.    Some would speak lies in hypocrisy. 
          5.    Some would have seared conscience. 
          6.    Some would forbid to marry. 
          7.    Some would command to abstain from meats.

IV.    THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY. 
        1.    Was already working. 2 Thes.. 2:7 
        2.    Would occur before Jesus' return. 2 Thes.. 2:3 
        3.    False prophets had gone out. I John 4:1 
        4.    Departure had already begun. I John 2:18,19

CONCLUSION: 
With all this to retard the progress of the church, yet the church stands!
So shall it ever be-- some shall depart for various reasons, but, thank God, there will always be some who remain faithful!
 

Sermon Outline by Thomas Winter Butterfield 
 

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