- Instructions to Timothy
- 1
- The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith
- and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
- 2
- Such teachings come through hypocritical liars,
- whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
- 3
- They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods,
- which God created to be received with thanksgiving
- by those who believe and who know the truth.
- 4
- For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected
- if it is received with thanksgiving,
- 5
- because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
- 6
- If you point these things out to the brothers,
- you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus,
- brought up in the truths of the faith
- and of the good teaching that you have followed.
- 7
- Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales;
- rather, train yourself to be godly.
- 8
- For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,
- holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
- 9
- This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
- 10
- (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God,
- who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.
- 11
- Command and teach these things.
- 12
- Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,
- but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
- 13
- Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,
- to preaching and to teaching.
- 14
- Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message
- when the body of elders laid their hands on you.
- 15
- Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them,
- so that everyone may see your progress.
- 16
- Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them,
- because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.