When Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he was very concerned about the spiritual condition of “some” brethren. He stated that “some” had “strayed” from “faith” in Christ (1 Tim. 1:6). More than once, he lamented that “some” had “strayed” and even “rejected” “the faith” (6:10, 21; 1:19). He not only looked at such in the recent past, but he pointed to the future when “some will depart from the faith” (4:1). Paul placed a great emphasis on “the faith” in this letter (1:2, 19; 3:9, 13; 4:1, 6; 5:8; 6:10, 21), noting the seriousness of someone turning from it.
If you want to grasp the seriousness of someone turning from “the faith,” read this parallel expression: “Some have already turned aside after Satan” (5:15). “The sway of the wicked one” is powerful (1 John 5:19). He turns followers of Christ aside, even when we may least expect it.
Three things to do: (1) “Take heed” to ourselves (1 Tim. 4:16). (2) Seek those who have strayed and admonish them to come back (Gal. 6:1; 2 Thess. 3:15). (3) Pray (Gal. 6:2, 10).