1 Timothy 4:1-16
4 However, the inspired utterance* says definitely that in later periods of time+ some will fall away+ from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances*+ and teachings of demons,+
2 by the hypocrisy of men who speak lies,+ marked in their conscience+ as with a branding iron;
3 forbidding to marry,+ commanding to abstain from foods+ which God created+ to be partaken of with thanksgiving by those who have faith+ and accurately know the truth.
4 The reason for this is that every creation of God is fine,+ and nothing is to be rejected+ if it is received with thanksgiving,+
5 for it is sanctified* through God’s word and prayer over [it].
6 By giving these advices to the brothers you will be a fine minister of Christ Jesus, one nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching+ which you have followed closely.+
7 But turn down the false stories+ which violate what is holy and which old women tell. On the other hand, be training yourself with godly devotion* as your aim.+
8 For bodily training* is beneficial for a little; but godly devotion*+ is beneficial for all things,+ as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.+
9 Faithful and deserving of full acceptance is that statement.+
10 For to this end we are working hard and exerting ourselves,+ because we have rested our hope+ on a living God, who is a Savior+ of all sorts of men,+ especially of faithful ones.+
11 Keep on giving these commands+ and teaching them.+
12 Let no man ever look down on your youth.+ On the contrary, become an example+ to the faithful ones+ in speaking, in conduct, in love, in faith, in chasteness.+
13 While I am coming, continue applying yourself to public+ reading,+ to exhortation, to teaching.
14 Do not be neglecting the gift+ in you that was given you through a prediction+ and when the body of older men* laid their hands+ upon you.
15 Ponder over these things;+ be absorbed in them, that your advancement+ may be manifest to all [persons].
16 Pay constant attention to yourself+ and to your teaching.+ Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.+
Footnotes
^ Or, “misleading spirits.”
^ Or, “the spirit.”
^ Or, “it is held sacred; it is treated as holy.” Gr., ha·gi·aʹze·tai; Lat., sanc·ti·fi·caʹtur; J22(Heb.), mequd·dashʹ.
^ “Godly devotion,” אAVg; J7,8, “fear of Jehovah.”
^ “Godly devotion,” אAVg; J7,8, “fear of Jehovah.”
^ Lit., “training (as gymnast).” Gr., gy·mna·siʹa; Lat., ex·er·ci·taʹti·o, “exercise.”
