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.
Now the Spirit clearly says that in later times some people will leave the faith and pay attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons
2 These hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared,
in lying hypocrisy. Their own consciences will be branded.
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.
They will forbid to marry and to receive foods that God created for sharing with thanksgiving among those who believe and who know the truth.
4 Everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected but should be received with thanks,
For everything created by God is good. Nothing that we take with thanksgiving is to be rejected.
5 since it is made sacred by the word of God and by prayer.
For it is sanctified by 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 place these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Jesus Christ. For you are being nourished by the words of faith and by the good teaching that you have followed.
7 Reject what is irreligious, and old wives' tales. Make sure your exercise is spiritual—
But reject worldly stories loved by old women. Instead, train yourself in 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 training is a little useful, but godliness is useful for all things. It holds promise for this life now and the life to come.
9 You can trust this saying that should be accepted by everyone.
This message is trustworthy and worthy of full 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 it is for this that we struggle and work very hard. For we have hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, but especially of believers.
11 This is what you should teach. Tell everyone to follow your instructions.
Proclaim 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. Instead, be an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and 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, attend to the reading, to the exhortation, and to the 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 through 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.
Care for these things. Be in them, so that your progress may be evident to all people.
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.
Give careful attention to yourself and to the teaching. Continue in these things. For by doing so, you will save yourself and those who listen to you.
