1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. I Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV)

This passage contains some important instructions about how believers should live in the end times.

Verse 1 says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,” Expressly means publicly and explicitly. The Holy Spirit is speaking and we need to listen to Him in order to overcome as stated in the book of Revelation. There are promises for the overcomer noted in Revelation chapters 1-3. If the church (that’s us) won’t listen, she will not be able to overcome.

Verse 1 goes on to say that some will depart from the faith. How? By giving heed to ( listening to) seducing, or deceiving spirits and doctrines of devils (demons). It is very important who we listen to and what we read about spiritual things. We must be on our guard against false teaching. If something does not line up with God’s written Word, forget it.

Verse 2 tells us that the false teachers will speak lies because they gave heed to devils and their doctrines. They listened to the lies of the enemy and their hearts were “seared with a hot iron,” meaning their hearts were not open to the truth. We must protect our hearts from becoming like that by staying in God’s Word and listening to the Holy Spirit. Watch those who teach and preach and look at their lives. How they walk, or live, is an indication of the truth of what they preach. A life that lines up with the Word is a good indicator of someone who teaches truth. The Bible is called the Word of Truth and the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth- they will not lead you astray.

Verse 3 mentions things that false teachers may teach, like teaching against marriage, especially marriage as defined by the Bible. It is not against the Word to get married. This verse also mentions that false teachers may tell people that eating certain foods is a sin. The point is that false teachers usually try to add rules and regulations to God’s Word, promoting a salvation based on our performance instead of Christ’s sacrifice. We are not obligated to eat only certain things, but we are to receive our food with thanksgiving to God. However, it is never wrong to eat healthy to make sure you are well and able to do the will of God for many years to come.

Verse 4 reminds us that whatever God gives us is good and we should be thankful for it. We are to pray over our food, give thanks, and bless it. When we receive from God with thanksgiving we keep from having a complaining attitude.

Verse 5 says that when we pray over our food based on scripture, it is sanctified, meaning it is set apart for God’s use and our benefit.

The last days are described as perilous times (II Timothy 3:1), and we must be on guard against being deceived. We must know and believe the truth of the Scriptures. Knowing the truth, believing the truth, and acting on the truth is what makes us overcomers. We must ask the Holy Spirit to bring revelation of truth when we read the Bible, so we know what is true and can live out that truth in our lives. So, by the Holy Spirit, we listen, learn, and live. The power of the Holy Ghost and the power of God’s Word, combined with thanksgiving, will keep us on the right track. It will help us discern what is of God and what is not of God. We can live victoriously in these last days, overcoming the enemy every step of the way.