1 Timothy 4

Demonic Influence

1Now the Spirit#Jn 14:17; 16:13; Ac 20:23; 21:11; 1Co 2:10–11 explicitly says that in later times#2Th 2:3–9; 2Tm 3:1; 2Pt 3:3; Jd 18 some will depart from the faith,#Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2; Jd 3 paying attention to deceitful spirits#Mt 7:15; 1Jn 4:6 and the teachings of demons,#Jms 3:15 2through the hypocrisy#Mk 12:15 of liars whose consciences#Heb 13:18 are seared. 3They forbid marriage#1Tm 5:14; Heb 13:4 and demand abstinence#Rm 14:6; Col 2:16,23; 1Th 4:3; 5:22; 1Pt 2:11 from foods that God created#Gn 1:29; 9:3 to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good,#Gn 1:31 and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,#Ac 10:15 5since it is sanctified by the word of God#Lk 8:21; 1Tm 2:1; Heb 4:12 and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

6If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith#Php 1:27; 1Tm 1:2; Jd 3 and the good teaching that you have followed.#2Tm 3:10–15 7But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.#1Tm 1:4; 2Tm 4:4; Ti 1:14; 2Pt 1:16 Rather, train yourself in godliness.#2Pt 1:3 8For the training of the body has limited benefit,#Col 2:23 but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.#Ps 37:9,11; Pr 19:23; 22:4; Mt 6:33; Mk 10:30; Jn 12:25; Ac 13:48; 1Pt 3:9 9This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.#1Tm 1:15; 3:1; 2Tm 2:11 10For this reason we labor and strive,#4:10 Other mss read and suffer reproach because we have put our hope in the living God,#Dt 5:26; Jos 3:10; 1Sm 17:26; Ps 42:2; Jr 10:10; Dn 6:20; Ac 14:15; 1Tm 3:15 who is the Savior#1Tm 1:1 of all people,#1Tm 2:4; Ti 2:11 especially of those who believe.

Instructions for Ministry

11Command and teach these things. 12Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech,#Pr 12:6 in conduct,#2Pt 3:11 in love,#4:12 Other mss add in spirit,#1Co 13:1 in faith, and in purity.#1Tm 5:2 13Until I come,#1Tm 3:14 give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,#1Co 13:2; 1Tm 1:18; 2Tm 1:6 with the laying on of hands#1Tm 5:22 by the council of elders. 15Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save#Eph 2:8; Jd 23 both yourself and your hearers.#Ezk 33:9; Ac 20:28; Rm 11:14

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