1 Timothy 4

¹Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, devoting themselves to deceptive spirits and the teachings of demons ²through the acting of liars who are branded in their own consciences. ³These people forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have fully recognized the truth. ⁴For every creation of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵because it is set apart as holy through the word of God and prayerful petition.

⁶If you lay these things before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching you have followed closely. ⁷But reject godless and senile myths. Instead, train yourself for godly devotion. ⁸For while physical training is beneficial for a little, godly devotion is beneficial for everything, since it holds a promise of life—both for the present and the one to come. ⁹This saying is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: ¹⁰"For to this end we labor and face reproach, because we have set our hope on a living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who are faithful."

¹¹Command these things and teach them. ¹²Let no one look down on your youth, but become a pattern for the faithful in your speech, in your way of life, in love, in faith, and in purity. ¹³Until I arrive, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching. ¹⁴Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵Practice these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all. ¹⁶Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in these things, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who hear you.