1 Timothy 4

¹ The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and the teachings of demons,

² through the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

³ They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

⁴ For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

⁵ because it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed.

⁷ Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales. Rather, train yourself to be godly.

⁸ For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

⁹ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.

¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things.

¹² Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

¹³ Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

¹⁴ Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

¹⁶ Watch your life and your teaching closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.