1 Timothy 4

New King James Version

The Great Apostasy

4 Now the Spirit^[a]expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed^(A)to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,^2 (B)speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience^(C)seared with a hot iron,³ forbidding to marry,and commandingto abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.⁴ For every creature of Godisgood, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;⁵ for it is^[b]sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

⁶ If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ,^(D)nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.⁷ But^(E)reject profane and old wives’ fables, and^(F)exercise yourself toward godliness.⁸ For^(G)bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things,^(H)having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.⁹ Thisisa faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.¹⁰ For to thisend^[c]we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God,^(I)who istheSavior of all men, especially of those who believe.¹¹ These things command and teach.

Take Heed to Your Ministry

¹² Let no one^[d]despise your youth, but be an^(J)example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love,^[e]in spirit, in faith, in purity.¹³ Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to^[f]doctrine.^14 (K)Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy^(L)with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.¹⁵ Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.¹⁶ Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.