1 TimothyChapter 4

Tap any verse to comment or suggest a better wording.

¹The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will leave the faith. They will follow spirits that lie. They will follow what demons teach. ²These teachings come from liars who pretend to be good. Their consciences have been burned as if with a hot iron. ³They will forbid people to marry. They will make people stay away from certain foods. But God made those foods to be eaten with thanks by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴Everything God made is good. Nothing should be refused if it is received with thanks, ⁵because it is made holy by God's word and by prayer. ⁶Point out these things to the brothers and sisters. Then you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will be fed by the words of faith and the good teaching you have followed. ⁷But have nothing to do with silly myths that do not honor God. Instead, train yourself to live a godly life. ⁸Training your body helps a little. But living a godly life helps in every way. It holds promise for this life and for the life to come. ⁹This saying is true, and everyone should fully accept it. ¹⁰That is why we work hard and keep trying, because we have put our hope in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, and most of all of those who believe. ¹¹Command and teach these things. ¹²Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. Instead, be an example for the believers. Show them how to speak, how to live, and how to love. Show them faith and purity. ¹³Until I come, give your time to reading Scripture out loud to the church. Give it to encouraging people and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not ignore the gift you have. It was given to you through a prophecy. It came when the elders laid their hands on you. ¹⁵Work hard at these things. Give yourself fully to them. Then everyone will see how you are growing. ¹⁶Watch closely how you live and what you teach. Keep doing these things. If you do, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.