< 1 Timothy 4 >
1 Now the Spirit distinctly declares that in latter days there will be some who will fall away from the faith, by listening to spirits of error, and to teachings of demons
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy. These are men whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron,
3 who discourage marriage, and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thankfulness, by those who believe, and have a clear knowledge of the truth.
4 For everything that God has created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if only it is received with thankfulness.
5 For it is sanctified by the Word of God and by prayer.
6 As you lay all these things before the brothers, you will be a noble minister of Christ Jesus, nourishing yourself in the precepts of the faith and that noble teaching which you have followed.
7 Ever reject these profane and old womanish myths; and continually train yourself for the contest of godliness.
8 For physical training is of some small service, but godliness is of service in everything; since it carries with it a promise of life, both here and hereafter.
9 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation.
10 "We toil and agonize because our hopes are set on the ever-living God, who is the Saviour of all men. - of believers in particular.
11 Keep preaching and teaching these things.
12 Let no one despise you on account of your youth, but become an example for the faithful in word, in life, in love, in faith, in purity.
13 Be applying yourself until I come to public reading, preaching, and teaching.
14 Never neglect the gift within you, which was given in fulfilment of prophecy at the time of the laying on of hands by the elders.
15 Let these things be your care, give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress may be manifest to all.
16 Give heed to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.