1 Timothy 4

1The Spirit says clearly that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2Such teaching comes through hypocritical liars whose consciences have been branded as with a hot iron. 3They forbid people to marry and order them to keep away from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanks by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything God created is good, and nothing should be refused if it is received with thanks, 5because it is made holy by God’s word and by prayer.

6If you teach these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, feeding yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Instead, train yourself in godliness. 8Physical training has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way, since it holds promise both for life now and for the life to come. 9Here is a saying you can rely on, which deserves to be fully accepted. 10This is why we work hard and endure insults: we have put our hope in the living God, the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

11Give these instructions, and teach them. 12Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set the believers an example in how you speak and live, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through a prophetic word when the elders laid their hands on you. 15Put these things into practice and give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Persevere in them, for if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.