1 Timothy 4

New American Standard Bible

Abandonment of Faith

4 But ^(A)the Spirit explicitly says that ^(B)in later times some will ^[a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to ^(C)deceitful spirits and ^(D)teachings of demons, ²by means of the hypocrisy of liars ^(E)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³who ^(F)forbid marriage and advocate ^(G)abstaining from foods which ^(H)God has created to be ^(I)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴For ^(J)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(K)received with gratitude; ⁵for it is sanctified by means of ^(L)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

⁶In pointing out these things to ^(M)the brothers and sisters, you will be a good ^(N)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the ^(O)good doctrine which you ^(P)have been following. ⁷But ^[b]stay away from ^(Q)worthless ^(R)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, ^[c]discipline yourself for the purpose of ^(S)godliness; ⁸for ^(T)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but ^(U)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it ^(V)holds promise for the ^(W)present life and also for the life to come. ⁹^(X)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set ^(Y)our hope on ^(Z)the living God, who is ^(AA)the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

¹¹^[d]^(AB)Prescribe and teach these things. ¹²^(AC)Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, ^(AD)love, faith, and purity, show yourself ^(AE)an example ^[e]of those who believe. ¹³^(AF)Until I come, give your attention to the public ^[f]^(AG)reading, to exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of ^(AH)prophecy with ^(AI)the laying on of hands by the ^[g]^(AJ)council of elders. ¹⁵Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶^(AK)Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ^(AL)save both yourself and those who hear you.