1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.10For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.11These things command and teach.12Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
1 Timothy 4
New International Reader’s Version
1The Holy Spirit clearly says that in the last days some people will leave the faith. They will follow spirits that will fool them. They will believe things that demons will teach them.2Teachings like those come from liars who pretend to be what they are not. Their sense of what is right and wrong has been destroyed. It’s as though it has been burned with a hot iron.3They do not allow people to get married. They order them not to eat certain foods. But God created those foods. So people who believe and know the truth should receive them and give thanks for them.4Everything God created is good. You shouldn’t turn anything down. Instead, you should thank God for it.5The word of God and prayer make it holy.6Point out these things to the brothers and sisters. Then you will serve Christ Jesus well. You will show that you’ve grown in the truths of the faith. You will show that you’ve been trained by the good teaching you’ve obeyed.7Don’t have anything to do with godless stories and silly tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.8Training the body has some value. But being godly has value in every way. It promises help for the life you are now living and the life to come.9This is the truth you can trust and accept completely.10This is why we work and try so hard. It’s because we have put our hope in the living God. He is the Saviour of all people. Most of all, he is the Saviour of those who believe.11Command and teach these things.12Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say and in how you live. Also set an example in how you love and in what you believe. Show the believers how to be pure.13Until I come, spend your time reading Scripture out loud to one another. Spend your time preaching and teaching.14Don’t fail to use the gift the Holy Spirit gave you. He gave it to you through a prophecy from God. It was given when the elders placed their hands on you.15Keep on doing these things. Give them your complete attention. Then everyone will see how you are coming along.16Be careful of how you live and what you believe. Never give up. Then you will save yourself and those who hear you.