41 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith , paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons , 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron , 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully e shared in by those who believe and know the truth . 4 For everything created by God is good , and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude ; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer .
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren , you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus , constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following . 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women . On the other hand , discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness ; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit , but godliness is profitable for all things , since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come . 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance . 10 For it is for this we labor and strive , because we have fixed our hope on the living God , who is the Savior of all men , especially of believers . 11 Prescribe and teach these things . 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness , but rather in speech , conduct , love , faith and purity , show yourself an example of those who believe . 13 Until I come , give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:1-13
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:1-5
(Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5)
The Holy Spirit, both in the Old and the New Testament, spoke of a general turning from the faith of Christ, and the pure worship of God. This should come during the Christian dispensation, for those are called the latter days. False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent. We find exercise for watchfulness and self-denial, in attending to the requirements of God's law, without being tasked to imaginary duties, which reject what he has allowed. But nothing justifies an intemperate or improper use of things; and nothing will be good to us, unless we seek by prayer for the Lord's blessing upon it.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:6-10
(Read 1 Timothy 4:6-10)
Outward acts of self-denial profit little. What will it avail us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies much in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to the life that now is, but especially to the life which is to come: though we lose for Christ, we shall not lose by him. If Christ be thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.
Commentary on 1 Timothy 4:11-16
(Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16)
Men's youth will not be despised, if they keep from vanities and follies. Those who teach by their doctrine, must teach by their life. Their discourse must be edifying; their conversation must be holy; they must be examples of love to God and all good men, examples of spiritual-mindedness. Ministers must mind these things as their principal work and business. By this means their profiting will appear in all things, as well as to all persons; this is the way to profit in knowledge and grace, and also to profit others. The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be scriptural, clear, evangelical, and practical; well stated, explained, defended, and applied. But these duties leave no leisure for wordly pleasures, trifling visits, or idle conversation, and but little for what is mere amusement, and only ornamental. May every believer be enabled to let his profiting appear unto all men; seeking to experience the power of the gospel in his own soul, and to bring forth its fruits in his life.