Saving Your Soul in Latter Times

"Now the Spirit expressly (or explicitly) says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 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. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer." (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY TO THEM, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED TO YOURSELF and to the doctrine. CONTINUE IN THEM, for in doing this you will save both YOURSELF and THOSE WHO HEAR YOU." 
(1 Timothy 4:12-16)

Recognize the fact that Timothy is "a true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), an overseer of the Ephesian church, yet must continue in the doctrine of Christ for his own salvation. I would consider the "latter times" discussed a type and shadow of Christ's temptations noted as He approached the cross. Many people surrounded Him when He was teaching, healing and delivering but at the culmination of His testimony: the cross, just a few.

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." 
(Matthew 7:13,14)

There are few who find it because they depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits (of man) and doctrines of demons. They give heed because it appears more comfortable, gathering fellows accordingly. "Paul, and apostle of Jesus Christ, BY the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope," (1 Timothy 1:1) sends this letter to son Timothy to remind him stand fast lest he fall in the challenges that will make or destroy the testimony of our Lord within him.