Abandonment of Faith

But (A)the Spirit explicitly says that (B)in later times some will [a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to (C)deceitful spirits and (D)teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars (E)seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, who (F)forbid marriage and advocate (G)abstaining from foods which (H)God has created to be (I)gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For (J)everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is (K)received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of (L)the word of God and prayer.

A Good Minister’s Discipline

In pointing out these things to (M)the brothers and sisters, you will be a good (N)servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the (O)good doctrine which you (P)have been following. But [b]stay away from (Q)worthless (R)stories that are typical of old women. Rather, [c]discipline yourself for the purpose of (S)godliness;

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:1 I.e., apostatize
  2. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or reject
  3. 1 Timothy 4:7 Or train

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)

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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.