1 Timothy 4

₁Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, ₂through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, ₃who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. ₄For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ₅for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

₆If you put these things before the brothers, 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 followed. ₇Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; ₈for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ₉The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. ₁₀For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

₁₁Command and teach these things. ₁₂Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers 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. ₁₄Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. ₁₅Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. ₁₆Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.