1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NKJV) Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
V1 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…” Latter times (last days) usually refers to the end of any period–the ending of the pre-flood era, the nation of Israel era (not over yet), and the church era. Here, it refers to the end of the church era which ends with the Rapture. How will anyone know? These are some signs of those times: 1) departing from the faith (heresies in every area of Theology), 2) giving highest authority to deceiving spirits (guidance from the spirit beings (demons)) and their teachings (which include twisting of true Bible interpretation, definition, God’s character, the Bible itself (infallibility, sufficiency, and preservation), and 3) placing high value on experiences (spiritual and physical). The devil will do anything to deviate from the truth and influence any and all to follow such lies. He seeks to kill and destroy Christians and their faith through narcissists, false theology, persecution, elitism, etc.
V2 “…speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron…” Lies and deception are their main tools. The Greek word for “hypocrisy” is (G5272) ὑπόκρισις hypókrisis, which means a stage actor. Thus, someone who pretends to be something or someone and teaches something that they do not believe or live. It is deception. Narcissists are the main examples. Hypocrisy–saying one thing but acting another. Showing charm and kindness in public but abuse in private. They can do these things without any guilt because their conscience is seared (doesn’t exist). Christians are to develop and grow their conscience with God’s assisting grace by Bible reading, studying, and living the Christian faith to help discern truth from error and right actions from evil actions.
V3 “…forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” Some go so far as to forbid marriage and to abstain from foods (forcing people to eat Kosher, vegan, etc.). All food has been declared by God to be safe to eat (Mark 7:19, 1 Timothy 4:5, Luke 11:41, and Acts 11:9). Knowing the truth is not enough, we must believe it enough that we live it.
V4 “For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving…” A clear statement from the Holy Spirit through Paul. We should always be thankful for what God gives us.
V5 “…for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” The word “sanctified” is (G37) ἁγιάζω hagiázō, which means made holy from a previous state of not being holy. It can refer to food and other physical things, emotional things, and spiritual things. Only God can declare something holy. The greatest work is being born again where God makes the heart holy (2 Corinthians 5:17).