Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
The Spirit plainly warns that false teachers will come, placing all holiness in outward ceremonies while they shadow the true spiritual worship of God. Men love hypocrisy by nature, and Satan finds it easy work to persuade them that God is honored by ceremonies rather than by the heart.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Timothy 4:1-16
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1) He contrasts that true doctrine, with false opinions, which he foretells that certain ones who shall fall away from God and his religion, will bring in by the suggestion of Satan, and so that a great number will give ear to them.
1st Timothy Chapter 4. ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER. THERE is, in many respects, a strong resemblance between the first part of this chapter and . Comp. Notes on that chapter. The leading object of this chapter is to state to Timothy certain things of which he was constantly to remind the church; and, having done this, the apostle gives him some directions about his personal deportment.