1 Timothy

The first epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy, chapter 4, New English Translation and King James Version

Chapter 4 New English Translation

Timothy's Ministry in the Later Times

   1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will desert the faith and occupy themselves with deceiving spirits and demonic teachings, 2 influenced by the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creation of God is good and no food is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is sanctified by God's word and by prayer.
   6 By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But reject those myths fit only for the godless and gullible, and train yourself for godliness. 8 For "physical exercise has some value, but godliness is valuable in every way. It holds promise for the present life and for the life to come." 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 In fact this is why we work hard and struggle, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of believers.
   11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in your speech, conduct, love, faithfulness, and purity. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you have, given to you and confirmed by prophetic words when the elders laid hands on you. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

King James Version

   1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
   2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
   3 Forbidding 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.
   4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
   5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
   6 If 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.
   7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
   8 For 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.
   9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.
   10 For 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.
   11 These things command and teach.
   12 Let 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.
   13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
   14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
   15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
   16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.