1 Timothy 3:14-4:16

English Standard Version

The Mystery of Godliness

¹⁴ I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, ¹⁵ if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. ¹⁶ Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4 Now ^(F)the Spirit expressly says that ^(G)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to ^(H)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ² through the insincerity of ^(I)liars whose consciences are seared, ^3 (J)who forbid marriage and ^(K)require abstinence from foods ^(L)that God created ^(M)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For ^(N)everything created by God is good, and ^(O)nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(P)received with thanksgiving, ⁵ for it is made holy ^(Q)by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Christ Jesus

^6 (R)If you put these things before the brothers,^[d] 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 ^(S)followed. ⁷ Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^(T)silly myths. Rather ^(U)train yourself for godliness; ⁸ for while ^(V)bodily training is of some value, godliness ^(W)is of value in every way, as ^(X)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ The saying is ^(Y)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end we toil and strive,^[e] because we have our hope set on the living God, ^(Z)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach ^(AA)these things. ^12 (AB)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers ^(AC)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 (AD)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you ^(AE)by prophecy when the council of elders ^(AF)laid their hands on you. ¹⁵ Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,^[f] so that ^(AG)all may see your progress. ^16 (AH)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save ^(AI)both yourself and ^(AJ)your hearers.