1 Timothy 3:14-4:11
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Mystery of Our Religion
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, 15 if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.(A) 16 Without any doubt, the mystery of godliness is great:
He[a] was revealed in flesh,
vindicated[b] in spirit,[c]
seen by angels,
proclaimed among gentiles,
believed in throughout the world,
taken up in glory.(B)
False Asceticism
4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later[d] times some will renounce[e] the faith by paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,(C) 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3 They forbid marriage and abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.(D) 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving,(E) 5 for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.
A Good Minister of Jesus Christ
6 If you put these instructions before the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant[f] of Christ Jesus, nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound teaching that you have followed.(F) 7 Have nothing to do with profane and foolish tales. Train yourself in godliness,(G) 8 for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.(H) 9 The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and suffer reproach,[g] because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.(I)
11 Command and teach these things.(J)
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition. Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.