In Latter Times, When The Saving of Your Soul Becomes Difficult

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in 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." (1 Timothy 4:1-3)

"For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach."

(1 Timothy 4:10,11)

"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 so YOU WILL SAVE BOTH YOURSELF and those who hear you."  (1 Timothy 4:15,16)

In the opening chapter of Paul's letter to Timothy, pastor of the church at Ephesus, he describes Timothy as "a true son in the faith". Yet based on the conclusion of chapter 4, Timothy still is a soul to be saved. It seems to me difficult to partake of the notion that "latter times", in context, are the same as the end times of the church age, as many say. Paul is teaching Timothy the way to become complete in the doctrine of Christ. As you encounter the latter times of the formation of Christ within, there will be opportunities to give heed to deception and hypocrisy because His chastening, although profitable for holiness, seems painful. Satan works against it; others don't celebrate it; and we also question it. Take heed to the doctrine of Christ! It is the message that God uses to save your soul.