1 Timothy 4

DEMONIC INFLUENCE

4Now the Spirit^ad explicitly says that in later times^ae some will depart from the faith,^af paying attention to deceitful spirits^ag and the teachings of demons,^{ah 2}through the hypocrisy^ai of liars whose consciences^aj are seared. ³They forbid marriage^ak and demand abstinence^al from foods that God created^am to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴For everything created by God is good,^an and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,^{ao 5}since it is sanctified by the word of God^ap and by prayer.

A GOOD SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST

⁶If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith^aq and the good teaching that you have followed.^{ar 7}But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.^as Rather, train yourself in godliness.^{at 8}For the training of the body has limited benefit,^au but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.^{av 9}This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.^{aw 10}For this reason we labor and strive,^B because we have put our hope in the living God,^ax who is the Savior^ay of all people,^az especially of those who believe.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MINISTRY

¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,^ba in conduct,^bb in love,^Cbc in faith, and in purity.^{bd 13}Until I come,^be give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,^a with the laying on of hands^b by the council of elders. ¹⁵Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save^c both yourself and your hearers.^d