1 Timothy 4

Some Will Depart from the Faith

1 Now a the Spirit expressly says that b in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to c deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of d liars whose consciences are seared, 3  e who forbid marriage and f require abstinence from foods g that God created h to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For i everything created by God is good, and j nothing is to be rejected if it is k received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy l by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

6  m If you put these things before the brothers ▼
▼ Or  brothers and sisters. The plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) refers to siblings in a family. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, adelphoi may refer either to men or to both men and women who are siblings (brothers and sisters) in God’s family, the church
 you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have o followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, p silly myths. Rather q train yourself for godliness; 8 for while r bodily training is of some value, godliness s is of value in every way, as t it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is u trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive ▼
▼ Some manuscripts  and suffer reproach
 because we have our hope set on the living God w who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach x these things. 12  y Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers z an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14  aa Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ab by prophecy when the council of elders ac laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them ▼
▼ Greek be in them
 so that ae all may see your progress. 16  af Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ag both yourself and ah your hearers.

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