1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

Paul thought he was living in the end times.  I REALLY think we are living in the end times.  This world we live in has people following some pretty evil stuff.  When people get caught doing wrong today they really have no sorrow...except that they got caught.

³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 
⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.

Let's know what we believe.  This way when these false teachers say their lies we will be able to point it out to other and help them from falling away.

⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. ⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

Getting physically fit has some value.  My blood pressure is down and my blood work came back with things in the normal range.  However these benefits are short lived and have limited application.  Godliness applies everywhere and lasts for ever. 

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Be an example no matter what your age.  Don't let others decide what you are.

  ¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 Do what you are supposed to be doing, but more than that show care that gets noticed.  Anyone can "do" a job, but we should approach ours with care.  We are also to be watchful of what we believe and continue in it no matter what.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit brothers and sisters. Amen.