I Timothy Chapter 4
This letter serves as guide to Timothy, a young leader of the early church. The apostle Paul gives him advice on worship, ministry and relationships within the church.
A Conservative Version
4 : 1 But the Spirit says expressly that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
4 : 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, their own conscience having been seared with a hot iron,
4 : 3 forbidding to marry, to abstain from foods, which God created for partaking with thankfulness by those who believe and know the truth.
4 : 4 Because every creation of God is good, and nothing rejected that is received with thankfulness,
4 : 5 for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.
4 : 6 Laying these things down to the brothers, thou will be a good helper of Jesus Christ, reared up in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine that thou have followed.
4 : 7 But reject the profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself to piety.
4 : 8 For bodily exercise is profitable for a little, but piety is profitable for all things, having promise of the present life, and of that which is coming.
4 : 9 Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptance.
4 : 10 For we both labor and are reproached for this, because we have hoped in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of the faithful.
4 : 11 These things command and teach.
4 : 12 Let no man disparage thy youth, but become an example of the faithful, in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
4 : 13 Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.
4 : 14 Do not neglect the gift in thee, which was given thee by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
4 : 15 Think on these things-exist within these things-so that thy progress may be visible among all.
4 : 16 Hold firm to thyself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this thou will save both thyself and those who hear thee.