1 Timothy 4
4
1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, 3who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; 5for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6If you put these instructions before the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7Have nothing to do with godless and silly myths. Train yourself in godliness; 8for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive,#4.10 Other ancient authorities read suffer reproach because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
11Command and teach these things. 12Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture, to preaching, to teaching. 14Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophetic utterance when the council of elders laid their hands upon you. 15Practice these duties, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. 16Take heed to yourself and to your teaching; hold to that, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
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Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America
1 Timothy 4
4
A Prophecy about the Last Times
1The Spirit says clearly that in later times some believers will desert the Christian faith. They will follow spirits that deceive, and they will believe the teachings of demons. 2These people will speak lies disguised as truth. Their consciences have been scarred as if branded by a red-hot iron. 3They will try to stop others from getting married and from eating certain foods. God created food to be received with prayers of thanks by those who believe and know the truth. 4Everything God created is good. Nothing should be rejected if it is received with prayers of thanks. 5God’s word and prayer set it apart as holy.
Guidelines for Serving Christ
6You are a good servant of Christ Jesus when you point these things out to our brothers and sisters. Then you will be nourished by the words of the Christian faith and the excellent teachings which you have followed closely. 7Don’t have anything to do with godless myths that old women like to tell. Rather, train yourself to live a godly life. 8Training the body helps a little, but godly living helps in every way. Godly living has the promise of life now and in the world to come. 9This is a statement that can be trusted and deserves complete acceptance. 10Certainly, we work hard and struggle to live a godly life, because we place our confidence in the living God. He is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11Insist on these things and teach them. 12Don’t let anyone look down on you for being young. Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers. 13Until I get there, concentrate on reading ⌞Scripture⌟ in worship, giving encouraging messages, and teaching people. 14Don’t neglect the gift which you received through prophecy when the spiritual leaders #4:14 Or “pastors,” or “elders.” placed their hands on you ⌞to ordain you⌟. 15Practice these things. Devote your life to them so that everyone can see your progress. 16Focus on your life and your teaching. Continue to do what I’ve told you. If you do this, you will save yourself and those who hear you.
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