1 Timothy 4

Demonic Influence

4Now the Spirit ^vexplicitly says that in later times ^wsome will depart from the faith, ^xpaying attention to deceitful spirits ^yand the teachings of demons, ^z2through the hypocrisy ^aof liars whose consciences ^bare seared. ³They forbid marriage ^cand demand abstinence ^dfrom foods that God created ^eto be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴For everything created by God is good, ^fand nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ^g5since it is sanctified by the word of God ^hand by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith ⁱand the good teaching that you have followed. ^j7But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. ^kRather, train yourself in godliness, ^l8for

the training of the body has a limited benefit, ^m

but godliness is beneficial in every way,

since it holds promise for the present life

and also for the life to come. ⁿ

⁹This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. ^o10In fact, we labor and strive ^pfor this, because we have put our hope in the living God, ^qwho is the Savior ^rof everyone, ^sespecially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, ^tin conduct, ^uin love, ^vwin faith, in purity. ^x13Until I come, ^ygive your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, ^zwith the laying on of hands ^aby 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 by doing this you will save ^bboth yourself and your hearers. ^c