The Mystery of Ungodliness: Apostasy in 1 Timothy

After stating the church's great confession of the "mystery of godliness" (the now-revealed truths of Christ and His work), Paul warns Timothy and the church of Ephesus of the "mystery of ungodliness"--the apostasy of some due to deceptive false teaching. This teaching of demonic doctrines was characterized by the ascetic practice of self-denial of physical comforts and pleasures which God has given for enjoyment and thanksgiving. Paul's antidote to these false teachings and practices is to know the Word of God and the goodness of God.