Bible Gateway passage: 1 Timothy 4 - English Standard Version (2024)

Some Will Depart from the Faith

4Now ^(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, ²through 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. ⁴For ^(I)everything created by God is good, and ^(J)nothing is to be rejected if it is ^(K)received with thanksgiving, ⁵for 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. ⁷Have nothing to do with irreverent, ^(O)silly myths. Rather ^(P)train yourself for godliness; ⁸for 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. ⁹The saying is ^(T)trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ¹⁰For 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.

¹¹Command 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. ¹³Until 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. ¹⁵Practice 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.