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1 Timothy 4:1. The Spirit clearly says that in the last times some will depart from the faith, listening to seducing spirits and teachings of demons. 1 Timothy 4:2. Through the hypocrisy of false talkers, burned in their conscience. “The Spirit speaks clearly.” Both the expressions: “this saith the Lord,” and “this saith the God of hosts,” and this: “the Spirit saith,” are equally divine. “For in the last times some will depart from the faith, heeding spiritual flattery and the teachings of demons, in the hypocrisy of a liar, seared by their conscience.” The apostle showed that, having first joined the church body, they later became teachers of lies. For this is what the words mean: “the world will depart from the faith, heeding spiritual flattery.” It’s great that he called their dogmas “demonic teachings”; because other sayings are truly the offspring of demons. And the expression: “in hypocrisy a liar” was used by the Apostle, because, having taken upon themselves the name of Christians, they teach something completely different. He called them “burnt by his conscience,” showing their extreme shamelessness, because the burned place, having become dead, loses its former sensitivity. Thus, having made it possible to see the corruption of their dogmas, he predicts the abomination of other laws. 1 Timothy 4:3. Those who forbid marriage and the eating of what God created to be eaten with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and know the truth. “Those who forbid getting married should withdraw from the world, which God has created to be consumed with thanksgiving by the faithful and those who have known the truth.” For both marriage and most foods are called vile, in reproach to their Creator, Who created this for pleasure, which is why those who partake find in this a reason for thanksgiving and sing songs of praise to the Giver. He put it perfectly: “those who forbid getting married”; because he does not reject celibacy and abstinence, but accuses those who force him to make this law. 1 Timothy 4:4. For every creation of God is good, and nothing is reprehensible if it is received with thanksgiving. 1 Timothy 4:5. Because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is noted, accepted with thanksgiving, and is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” The Apostle borrowed the words: “every creature of God is good” from the Scriptures of Moses. “God saw,” it is said, “everything that was created, and behold, everything that was good” (Gen. 1:31). And what is good by nature, “accepted with thanksgiving” in the remembrance of God, turns out to be holy. Thus, having exposed the wickedness of the heretics, the Apostle offers the disciple proper advice. 1 Timothy 4:6. By instilling this in your brethren, you will become a good servant of Jesus Christ, nourished by the words of faith and the good teaching that you have followed. “I say all this to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ.” For it is common for a servant to carry out what is commanded and convey the Master’s commands to those of the same faith. “We feed on the words of faith and the good teaching that you followed.” You, the first of all, should diligently engage in spiritual teaching and be enriched by it. You accepted his rules exactly. 1 Timothy 4:7. Turn away from worthless and old woman's fables, and train yourself in piety. 1 Timothy 4:8. For bodily exercise is of little benefit, but piety is of benefit for everything, having the promise of the present and future life. “Reject nasty and woman’s fables.” The apostle again recalled what was said at the beginning; for he called Jewish teachings “women's fables,” not the law, but a false reinterpretation of the law and its untimely preservation. “Train yourself therefore to godliness. Bodily training is useful in small ways, but piety is useful for everything, having a promise for the present and the future.” Those who care about bodily well-being, says the Apostle, do not enjoy it for long; and deeds of piety both in this life make the ascetics glorious, and in the future they prepare them to be worthy of unfading crowns; The Apostle called a commendable life “training” in piety, because life resembles a feat. 1 Timothy 4:9. This word is true and worthy of all acceptance. “The word is true and worthy of all acceptance.” since he mentioned the future life, which was something invisible, then of necessity he called the word about it “true”; because it is worthy of faith, as adorned with truth. But it is also commendable. For the Ascetic must bestow rewards on the ascetics. Then, instead of an example, the Apostle introduces himself. 1 Timothy 4:10. For this is why we work and endure reproaches, because we trust in the living God, Who is the Savior of all people, and especially of the faithful. “For this we labor and reproach ourselves, for we live by trust in God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of the faithful.” For why do we bear this great labor and accept reproach from everyone if there is no reward for our labor? But there is reward, because the hero for those who struggle is the eternal God, the Savior of all people, especially those who believe in Him. 1 Timothy 4:11. Preach and teach this. “Command this and teach,” that is, to learn piety, to expect rewards, to look to the hero of heroism. 1 Timothy 4:12. Let no one despise your youth; but be an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. “Let no one care about your youth.” But this does not depend on me. So, why do you command me things that pertain to others? “But be true to the image.” Do you want, says the Apostle, not to be neglected when you give orders? Be animated by the law. Show in yourself the success of the laws; let your life testify to your word. This is what the Apostle says. “In word, life, love, spirit, faith, purity.” Show yourself an image of all of the above. 1 Timothy 4:13. Until I come, keep busy with reading, instruction, and teaching. “When I come, listen to reading, consolation, teaching.” And from this we can learn that we must also bring labor from ourselves and then accept the grace of the Spirit. For even the blessed Timothy, no matter how spiritual he was, was commanded by the teacher to pay attention to reading. Consolation differs from teaching in that teaching, without being held back by anything, offers various instructions, but consolation either encourages the sad, or calms those who are angry with advice. 1 Timothy 4:14. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the priesthood. “Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the priesthood. The Apostle called teaching “gifting,” and here he calls “priesthood” those who have been worthy of apostolic grace. Thus, the Divine Scripture called the most honorable in Israel eldership (Ex. 3:16). 1 Timothy 4:15. Take care of this, remain in this, so that your success is obvious to everyone. “Learn from these, abide in these: so that your success will be revealed in everyone.” For spiritual activity helps to increase knowledge about the Divine. 1 Timothy 4:16. Delve into yourself and into the teaching; do this constantly: for by doing this, you will save yourself and those who listen to you. “Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching and remain in them. By doing this, you yourself will be saved and those who will listen to you.” And they will find out what they should do, and you will fulfill what is prescribed for you, and from this you will gain benefit. You might be interested in: