1 Timothy 4

The Spirit^h clearly says that in later timesⁱ some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^j and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^k They forbid people to marry^l and order them to abstain from certain foods,^m which God createdⁿ to be received with thanksgiving^o by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good,^p and nothing is to be rejected^q if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God^r and prayer.

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith^s and of the good teaching that you have followed.^t Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;^u rather, train yourself to be godly.^v For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,^w holding promise for both the present life^x and the life to come.^y This is a trustworthy saying^z that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^a who is the Savior of all people,^b and especially of those who believe.

Command and teach these things.^c Don’t let anyone look down on you^d because you are young, but set an example^e for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^f and in purity. Until I come,^g devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^h to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecyⁱ when the body of elders^j laid their hands on you.^k

Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^l both yourself and your hearers.