13 (A)Until I come, give your attention to the public [a](B)reading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of (C)prophecy with (D)the laying on of hands by the [b](E)council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 (F)Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will (G)save both yourself and those who hear you.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 4:13 I.e., of Scripture in the church service
  2. 1 Timothy 4:14 Or board of elders

13 Until I come,(A) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,(B) to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy(C) when the body of elders(D) laid their hands on you.(E)

15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save(F) both yourself and your hearers.

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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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