1 Timothy 3:14–4:16
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and 8ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the 9mystery of godliness:
dGod 1was manifested in the flesh,
eJustified in the Spirit,
fSeen by angels,
gPreached among the Gentiles,
hBelieved on in the world,
iReceived up in glory.
4 Now the Spirit 1expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed ato deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 bspeaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience cseared 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 2sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, dnourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But ereject profane and old wives’ fables, and fexercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For gbodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, hhaving promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end 3we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, iwho is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no one 4despise your youth, but be an jexample to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, 5in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to 6doctrine. 14 kDo not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy lwith the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 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.