1 Timothy 4

1 However, the Spirit very clearly explains that in the last times some will abandon their trust in God, and will listen to deceptive spirits and beliefs that come from demons.

But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 These hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared,

through the hypocrisy of liars, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

3 tell people to not marry and not to eat certain foods made by God that should be accepted with thanks by those who trust and know the truth.

forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4 Everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected but should be received with thanks,

For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.

5 since it is made sacred by the word of God and by prayer.

For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

6 If you point out these things to the brothers and sisters you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus. You gain strength by trusting in the truth, and in the good teaching you've followed.

If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

7 Reject what is irreligious, and old wives' tales. Make sure your exercise is spiritual—

But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. And train yourself for godliness.

8 for while physical exercise is useful to some extent, spiritual exercise is much more useful. For “it has promise for the present life, and for the life to come.”

For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

9 You can trust this saying that should be accepted by everyone.

This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

10 The reason we work and do the best we can is because our hope is in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, especially of those who trust in him.

For to this end we both labor and strive, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 This is what you should teach. Tell everyone to follow your instructions.

Command and teach these things.

12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Be an example to those who trust in God—in the way you speak, the kind of life you live, in love, in trust, and in purity.

Let no one despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in faith, and in purity.

13 Until I get there, make sure you read the Scriptures to the church, and encourage them by your speaking and teaching.

Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.

14 Don't neglect the gracious gift you have that was given to you by prophetic inspiration when the church elders laid their hands on you.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

15 Think carefully about these things, and dedicate yourself completely to them so that everyone can see the progress you're making.

Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

16 Mind what you're doing and what you're teaching. Keep going with all of this, because as you do so you'll save both yourself and those who listen to you.

Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.