1 Timothy 4

1 But the Spirit says in so many words that in later seasons some will stand away from the faith, holding to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons, [a] 2 in the hypocrisy of liars, branded in their own conscience, [b] 3 forbidding to marry, and telling people to abstain from foods that God created to be taken with thanksgiving by those who are faithful and have come to know the truth. [c] † 4 Because every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be thrown away if it is taken with thanksgiving; 5 for it is made holy through the word of God and petition. [d]

6 Setting these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, brought up on the words of the faith and of the good teaching you have followed closely. [e] 7 But the common myths, the kind old women tell — refuse them. Train yourself toward devoutness. [f] 8 For bodily training is useful for a little, but devoutness is useful for all things, holding a promise of the life that is now and of the life that is coming. [g] 9 Faithful is the word, and worthy of all acceptance. [h] 10 For to this end we labor and are reproached, because we have set our hope on a living God, who is the one who rescues all people — most of all those who are faithful. [i]

11 Charge these things, and teach them. 12 Let no one look down on your youth, but become a pattern for those who are faithful — in word, in the way you live, in love, in faith, in purity. [j] 13 Until I come, hold to the reading, to the urging, to the teaching. [k] 14 Do not neglect the gift of favor in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the council of elders. [l] 15 Practice these things, be in them, so that your going forward may be plain to all. [m] 16 Hold to yourself and to the teaching. Stay on in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. [n]