But [a]stay away from (A)worthless (B)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, [b]discipline yourself for the purpose of (C)godliness; for (D)bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but (E)godliness is beneficial for all things, since it (F)holds promise for the (G)present life and also for the life to come. (H)It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set (I)our hope on (J)the living God, who is (K)the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

11 [c](L)Prescribe and teach these things.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or reject
  2. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or train
  3. 1 Timothy 4:11 Or Keep commanding and teaching

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(A) rather, train yourself to be godly.(B) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(C) holding promise for both the present life(D) and the life to come.(E) This is a trustworthy saying(F) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(G) who is the Savior of all people,(H) and especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.(I)

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Don't have anything to do with worthless, senseless stories. Work hard to be truly religious. 8-9 As the saying goes,

“Exercise is good
    for your body,
but religion helps you
    in every way.
It promises life
    now and forever.”

These words are worthwhile and should not be forgotten. 10 We have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, but especially of those who have faith. This is why we work and struggle so hard.[a]

11 Teach these things and tell everyone to do what you say.

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Footnotes

  1. 4.10 struggle so hard: Some manuscripts have “are treated so badly.”

6-10 You’ve been raised on the Message of the faith and have followed sound teaching. Now pass on this counsel to the followers of Jesus there, and you’ll be a good servant of Jesus. Stay clear of silly stories that get dressed up as religion. Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers.

11-14 Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don’t let anyone put you down because you’re young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity. Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed—keep that dusted off and in use.

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