1 Timothy 4

Some Will Depart from the Faith

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving 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 thanksgiving,5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6 If you put these things before the brothers,t you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.10 For to this end we toil and strive,t because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,t so that all may see your progress.16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 4

1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,2 through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;3 forbidding marriage 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 rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.6 If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.
12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.