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 distinctly says that in later times there will be some who will fall away from the faith, and devote their attention to misleading spirits, and to the teaching of demons,
2 These hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared,
who will make use of the hypocrisy of lying teachers. These people’s consciences are seared,
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.
and they discourage marriage and enjoin abstinence from certain kinds of food; though God created these foods to be enjoyed thankfully by those who hold the faith and have attained a full knowledge of the truth.
4 Everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected but should be received with thanks,
Everything created by God is good, and there in nothing that need be rejected – provided only that it is received thankfully;
5 since it is made sacred by the word of God and by prayer.
for it is consecrated by God’s blessing and by 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.
Put all this before the followers, and you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, sustained by the precepts of the faith and of that good teaching by which you have guided your life.
7 Reject what is irreligious, and old wives' tales. Make sure your exercise is spiritual—
As for profane legends and old wives’ tales, leave them alone. Train yourself to lead a religious life;
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 while the training of the body is of service in some respects, religion is of service in all, carrying with it, as it does, a promise of life both here and hereafter.
9 You can trust this saying that should be accepted by everyone.
How true that saying is and worthy of the fullest 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.
With that aim we toil and struggle, for we have set our hopes on the living God, who is the Savior of all, and especially of those who hold the faith.
11 This is what you should teach. Tell everyone to follow your instructions.
Remember these things in your teaching.
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.
Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but, by your conversation, your conduct, your love, your faith, and your purity, be an example to those who hold the faith.
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, apply yourself to public reading, preaching, and 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 divine gift within you, which was given you, amid many a prediction, when the hands of the church elders were laid on your head.
15 Think carefully about these things, and dedicate yourself completely to them so that everyone can see the progress you're making.
Practice these things, devote yourself to them, so that your progress may be plain to everyone.
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.
Look to yourself as well as to your teaching. Persevere in this, for your doing so will mean salvation for yourself as well as for your hearers.
