1 Timothy 4

New King James Version

The Great Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit ^[a]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed ^(A)to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ^2 (B)speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience ^(C)seared with a hot iron, ³ forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; ⁵ for it is ^[b]sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, ^(D)nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. ⁷ But ^(E)reject profane and old wives’ fables, and ^(F)exercise yourself toward godliness. ⁸ For ^(G)bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, ^(H)having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. ⁹ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. ¹⁰ For to this end ^[c]we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, ^(I)who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. ¹¹ These things command and teach.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one ^[d]despise your youth, but be an ^(J)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, ^[e]in spirit, in faith, in purity. ¹³ Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to ^[f]doctrine. ^14 (K)Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy ^(L)with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. ¹⁵ Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶ Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.