Demonic Influence

Now the Spirit(A) explicitly says that in later times(B) some will depart from the faith,(C) paying attention to deceitful spirits(D) and the teachings of demons,(E) through the hypocrisy(F) of liars whose consciences(G) are seared. They forbid marriage(H) and demand abstinence(I) from foods that God created(J) to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good,(K) and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,(L) since it is sanctified by the word of God(M) and by prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith(N) and the good teaching that you have followed.(O) But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths.(P) Rather, train yourself in godliness,(Q) for

the training of the body has a limited benefit,(R)
but godliness is beneficial in every way,
since it holds promise for the present life
and also for the life to come.(S)

This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.(T) 10 In fact, we labor and strive[a] for this, because we have put our hope in the living God,(U) who is the Savior(V) of everyone,(W) especially of those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:10 Other mss read and suffer reproach

The Spirit(A) clearly says that in later times(B) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits(C) and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.(D) They forbid people to marry(E) and order them to abstain from certain foods,(F) which God created(G) to be received with thanksgiving(H) by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good,(I) and nothing is to be rejected(J) if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God(K) and prayer.

If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,[a] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith(L) and of the good teaching that you have followed.(M) Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;(N) rather, train yourself to be godly.(O) For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,(P) holding promise for both the present life(Q) and the life to come.(R) This is a trustworthy saying(S) that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,(T) who is the Savior of all people,(U) and especially of those who believe.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:6 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family.