1 Timothy 4
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Demonic Influence
4 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) 2 through the hypocrisy(F) of liars whose consciences(G) are seared. 3 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. 4 For everything created by God is good,(K) and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,(L) 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God(M) and by prayer.
A Good Servant of Jesus Christ
6 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) 7 But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths.(P) Rather, train yourself in godliness,(Q) 8 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)
9 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.
Instructions for Ministry
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech,(X) in conduct,(Y) in love,[b](Z) in faith, in purity.(AA) 13 Until I come,(AB) give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy,(AC) with the laying on of hands(AD) by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save(AE) both yourself and your hearers.(AF)
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 4:10 Other mss read and suffer reproach
- 1 Timothy 4:12 Other mss add in spirit
1 Timothy 4
English Standard Version
Some Will Depart from the Faith
4 Now (A)the Spirit expressly says that (B)in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to (C)deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of (D)liars whose consciences are seared, 3 (E)who forbid marriage and (F)require abstinence from foods (G)that God created (H)to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For (I)everything created by God is good, and (J)nothing is to be rejected if it is (K)received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy (L)by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
6 (M)If you put these things before the brothers,[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have (N)followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, (O)silly myths. Rather (P)train yourself for godliness; 8 for while (Q)bodily training is of some value, godliness (R)is of value in every way, as (S)it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is (T)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God, (U)who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach (V)these things. 12 (W)Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers (X)an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 (Y)Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you (Z)by prophecy when the council of elders (AA)laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them,[c] so that (AB)all may see your progress. 16 (AC)Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save (AD)both yourself and (AE)your hearers.
Footnotes
- 1 Timothy 4:6 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
- 1 Timothy 4:10 Some manuscripts and suffer reproach
- 1 Timothy 4:15 Greek be in them
1 Timothy 4
The Message
Teach with Your Life
4 1-5 The Spirit makes it clear that as time goes on, some are going to give up on the faith and chase after demonic illusions put forth by professional liars. These liars have lied so well and for so long that they’ve lost their capacity for truth. They will tell you not to get married. They’ll tell you not to eat this or that food—perfectly good food God created to be eaten heartily and with thanksgiving by believers who know better! Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out. God’s Word and our prayers make every item in creation holy.
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.
15-16 Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don’t be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation.
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