1 Timothy 4

4TH CHAPTER

A Prophecy about the Last Times

¹The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons. ²These people will speak lies disguised as truth. Their consciences have been scarred as if branded by a red-hot iron. ³They will try to stop others from getting married and from eating certain foods. God created food to be received with prayers of thanks by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴Everything God created is good. Nothing should be rejected if it is received with prayers of thanks. ⁵God’s word of God and prayer set it apart as holy. 

Guidelines for Serving Christ

⁶You are a good servant of Christ Jesus when you point these things out to our brothers and sisters. Then you will be nourished by the words of the Christian faith and the excellent teachings which you have followed closely. ⁷Don’t have anything to do with godless myths that old women like to tell. Rather, train yourself to live a godly life. ⁸Training the body helps a little, but godly living helps in every way. Godly living has the promise of life now and in the world to come. ⁹This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance. ¹⁰Certainly, we work hard and struggle to live a godly life, because we place our confidence in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 

¹¹Insist on these things and teach them. ¹²Don’t let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers. ¹³Until I get there, concentrate on reading ⸤Scripture⸥ in worship, giving encouraging messages, and teaching people. ¹⁴Don’t neglect the gift which you received through prophecy when the spiritual leaders^aplaced their hands on you ⸤to ordain you⸥. ¹⁵Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. ¹⁶Focus on your life and your teaching. Continue to do what I’ve told you. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you.